Nigerian observer 10 06 2014

The Nigerian

PUBLISHED SINCE MAY 29, 1968 • Vol. 39 • NO.009 TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 • N 100.00 NUTRITIONAL HEALTH AND DIETETICS Page 14

What You Should Know About Hypertension (HBP)

Dora Akunyili, an Amazon

BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the late Professor Dora Akunyili, one-time Minister of Information and Director-General of NAFDAC, as a true Amazon who left her

- Oshiomhole

imprints in the sands of time.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said: “Professor Akunyili was

a true patriot who put the country’s interest above her personal comforts as she displayed extreme courage, discipline, honesty and incorruptibility as Director-General of the

National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“She displayed an uncommon trait when she returned an unspent medical allowance to the coffers of the Petroleum Trust Fund as South-East Continues on page 2

that the suspended Lawmakers had constituted themselves into a committee, approaching other members to defect to the

opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Hon. Kabir Adjoto who is also the Chairman, House Standing

Edo Assembly suspends 4 lawmakers

By KEN ABU

LEADERSHIP Page 21

Leadership reframe

BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has suspended indefinitely the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Festus Ebea and three other Lawmakers over alledged misconduct.

The three others are of the House by making Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen unguided utterances.

(Ikpoba-Okha), Patrick Citing order 33, rule 3 of Osayimwen (Oredo- the House Rules which East) and Friday empowers the House to O g i e r h i a k h i suspend any member who is found wanting.

(Orhionmwon-South).

The suspension was The suspension followed the unanimously supported consideration of a motion by other lawmakers.

Speaker of the House, moved by Hon. Paul Ohonbamu (Egor) and Hon. Uyi Igbe thereafter seconded by the Majority directed the Clerk to Leader, Hon. Philip confisticate all official including Shaibu under Matters of property, Urgent Public vehicles in possession of the affected Lawmakers.

Importance.

Meanwhile, the member Hon. Ohonbamu stated that the affected representing Akoko-Edo members had (I) constituency, Hon. undermined the strength Kabir Adjoto has stated

Committee on Information stated this while addressing some All Progressives Congress (APC) youths led by Mr. Tony Kabaka

who protested to the House calling for the suspension of the members who defected from APC to the Continues on page 2

Oshiomhole congratulates Sanusi, new Kano Emir

By JOSES SEDE

BENIN CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole has congratulated former Governor of the Central Bank, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on his appointment as the Emir of Kano.

In a congratulatory letter, the Governor said “it gives me great pleasure on behalf of the good people and Government of Edo State, to congratulate Your Royal Highness on your well-deserved appointment as the 14th

Emir of Kano.

“Your Royal Highness, I have no doubt in my mind that your appointment to this esteemed position of Emir of Kano Emirate is ordained by Almighty Allah. It is my sincere prayer that your reign will be long and be for the good of all Nigerians, particularly in serving as a vessel through which the much-needed socioeconomic upliftment, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians, within and beyond the Kano Emirate

TIT BIT “Every war develops in three stages, the

need to control the fate of others by our wishes, the imposition of our wishes through tyranny, and the greed for the expansion of our wishes.”

- Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama

will be sustained.

“Given your vast experience in the private sector and public service, particularly your o u t s t a n d i n g accomplishment as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), I am quite convinced that Your Royal Highness is equally well positioned to

SUSPENSION: Hon. Adjoto Kabiru, Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Information, flanked by some of the House members addressing the press at the House Complex shortly after the suspension of the House Deputy Speaker, Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen and Hon. Friday Ogieriakhi at the House plenary sitting yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Legislators got N50m each to defect Continues on page 2

BENIN CITY -Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said some members of the State House of Assembly who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got N50 million each to sell out.

Oshiomhole who disclosed this yesterday when he addressed different sets of youths on peaceful protest to the Government House Benin City however said

- Governor

government was undisturbed with the shenanigans of the defected lawmakers.

He said “I thank you for recognizing that we all went round to campaign for these people who

have decided to sell their mandate for naira and kobo.

“What is sickening is that they are young men who should be anxious to

By CLIFFORD AGBAJOR GELEGELE – The Ijaws in Edo State have been advised to make

themselves relevant in the scheme of things.

A two-time Governor of the defunct Midwest and

break from the past.

“However because they believed they do not have any chance of being reelected in February next year, because they have

either done two terms or because of their poor performance, they know their constituency will not re-nominate them, they now decided to benefit from the desperation in Continues on page 2

Make yourselves relevant, Ogbemudia advises Ijaws Bendel States, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia gave the advice last weekend at Gelegele,

Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, in continuation of Continues on page 2

News

Lawmakers got N50m each to defect

Continued from page 1

different parts of the country to sell their mandate for N50 million each, collect advance payment of N35 million. When I read this in the newspapers, initially, I didn’t believe; but going round, people tell me they are buying new vehicles, others are rebuilding their hotels.

Suddenly money is flowing.

“Obviously, I think it is important that if democracy is going to survive, each promise must be kept because in the last election, I had to go and do a television advert when the PDP people said this election is not Oshiomhole’s election, therefore vote for individual candidates, I went on television

to say that a vote for these House of Assembly members is a vote for Adams Oshiomhole.

“I had to do that because Edo people were not going to accept some of these people and I had to remind them that if they do not vote for them they would create problems for me. Now the vultures have come and they are offering money and

Edo Assembly suspends 4 lawmakers

Continued from page 1

opposition PDP. According to Hon. Adjoto: “The suspended members since they defected to PDP have been approaching other Lawmakers and pledging to give them N70 million for them to defect from APC to PDP. “They have been holding private meetings that can breach the peace in the parliament and that is not why we are here”, he stated.

addressing the protesters noted that the Lawmakers whom they are requesting for their suspension have been suspended.

He however, noted that the Lawmakers were not suspended because they defected to PDP but because they have contravened the House rules.

Leader of the protesters, Mr. Tony Kabaka had informed the

Speaker that they were in the House to call for the suspension of the four Lawmakers who recently defected from APC to PDP, thereby mortgaging their mandate.

It would be recalled that four APC Lawmakers, including Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhi, Abdulrazak Momoh, Patrick Osayimwen and Jude IseIdehen recently defected from APC to PDP.

The Speaker, while

Oshiomhole congratulates new Oceanic Bank and Continued from page 1 Kano Emir Bank, Finbank with 400 billion Nigerian not only consolidate on the solid legacy bequeathed by your predecessor, but that Kano Emirate under your able leadership would witness phenomenal socio-cultural regenera tion and economic prosperity, as well as continue to excel as world-renowned centre of commerce and learning.

“Once again, I congratulate Your Royal Highness. And while wishing you Allah’s guidance and a successful reign, I assure you of the support and cooperation of the Government and people of Edo State at all times.”

Gets appointment letter Meanwhile, the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso yesterday presented letter of appointment to the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new and 14th Emir of Kano. This followed the recommendations of the Emirate Council and Kingmakers on Sunday.

The Man Sanusi Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was born on 31st of July, 1961. He was born into a prominent family, his father was a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the 1960’s and he was the grandson of Emir of Kano and Islamic Scholar, Alhaji Mohammadu Sanusi. He started his western education at St. Anne Primary School, Kakuri, Kaduna (1967 – 1972).

He had his West African School Certificate at the prestigious King’s College, Lagos in 1967.

He also proceeded to further his education to another equally prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1981 and he also did his course work for Masters of Science degree in Economics where he obtained a distinction in Monetary Policy in 1983. He did his National Youth Service in former Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba State).

Sanusi’s quest for more knowledge took him outside Nigeria and he went to study Sharia law from International University of Africa, Khartoum in

Sudan where he bagged a first class degree in 1997.

Sanusi started his working career as an academic at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he lectured economics in 1985 before he moved to the banking sector in 1985 where he worked with Icon Limited (Merchant Bankers), a subsidiary of now Guaranty Trust Bank of New York, and Baring Brothers of London.

He later moved ahead his career and joined United Bank of Africa Plc (UBA) in 1997 where he worked in the Credit and Risk Management Division where he rose to the position of the General Manager. In September 2005, he was also the chairman of Kakawa Discount House. He later joined the Board of First Bank of Nigeria as an Executive Director in charge of Risk and Management Control and was later appointed Group Managing Director (CEO) in January 2009.

Sanusi has championed remarkable development in First Bank of Nigeria enterprises, risk management control mechanism. While working in United Bank of Africa as General Manager he anchored the transformation of the credit and risk management division into an enterprising risk management sector, and also spearheaded United Bank of Africa’s Basel 2 focus by establishing policies, framework, processes and systems necessary for compliance with the guidelines of the new capital accord and sat on the Board of the First Bank of Nigeria (UK) Limited.

He was the first northerner to be appointed CEO in First Bank of Nigeria history of more than a century.

Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was nominated by President Umaru Yar ‘Adua as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria 1st July, 2009 and his appointment was confirmed by the senate on 3rd June, 2009, in the middle of global financial crisis. In August 2009, the Sanusi led Central Bank of Nigeria bail out plan, and bailed out Afribank, Intercontinental Bank, Union

Naira of public money. Sanusi was named as the Central Bank of 2010 for both the African Continent and the entire world by the Bankers Magazine.

Sanusi has presented papers at National and International Conferences. Some of his papers include: ‘’Managing Credit Risk Under Basel 2’’- 2004; ‘’The New Capital Accord (Basel 2): challenges, opportunities and threats – 2004; The New Capital Accord (Basel 2): The standardized Approach to minimum Capital Requirements Under the first Pillar’’ – 2004; Bank lending: Approval Administration and Control’’ – 2004 He was however removed from office on allegation of fraud and recklessness.

Meanwhile, Kano state government’s choice of former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new and 14th Emir of Kano, instantly engulfed Kano in violent protest on Sunday, by the indigenes in apparent rejection of his choice.

Kano state Government under the supervision of Engr.

Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso had chosen Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Engr.

Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi who made the announcement said Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was chosen after due consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Emirate Council and kingmakers.

“The state government received their recommendations and Allah has conferred on Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the former governor of the central bank, (the post of) the successor to the late emir”, Bichi announced.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi defeated Lamido Sanusi Ado Bayero (first son of late Emir Ado Bayero) and Yahaya Inuwa Abbas, son to former Emir of Kano, late Muhammadu Inuwa who spent six months on the throne and was succeeded by the immediate past Emir, the late Ado Bayero.

Already, houses have been burnt and security situation in Kano remain tensed.

people are collecting money and making all kind of excuses.”

The Governor declared “as far as I am concerned, there is no cause for alarm. A lot of these people cannot win election on their own merit in their own booth. They were voted for as ACN with the broom. If you were voted for as ACN, with the broom, how can you now go and replace it with an umbrella that is torn and abandoned.

“People with little mind will think that they can sell their constituents with thirty-five million or N50 million depending on when they will get their balance and with time more truth will be revealed and when it is revealed a lot of these people will not be able to walk through the streets of Oredo and Ikpoba Okha.

“Those who voted some of them do not have a thousand naira but those they have voted for have chosen to sell it for a huge sum.

“As far as I am concerned, we are stronger. Edo politics will be cleaned up and the cleaning is already here”, he said.

Oshiomhole said government is committed to doing those things that will bring joy to the people, adding “we are committed to building more schools and roads”.

Earlier, the spokesman for the group, Mr. Emma Yamah said they were in Government House to assure the governor of their support and decried the four legislators who rode on the governors back to get elected but only to now defect to the opposition party.

He said the youths were going to demand their mandates from the lawmakers who defected saying the mandate did not belong to the defected lawmakers, but to the people.

1st Quarter: EDHA begins plenary sittings

By KEN ABU BENIN CITY – Edo State House of Assembly has commenced sittings for the first quarter, fourth session of the fifth Assembly with the adoption of the proposed Business Calendar for the quarter.

Presenting the proposed business calendar, the Majority Leader, Hon. Philip Shaibu who

doubles as the Chairman of the House Standing Committee or Rulers, Business and Governor House stated that during the quarter, the House will sit for 60 days.

The 60 days earmarked for plenary sittings include 16 days in June, 23 days in July and 21 days in August commencing from yesterday, June 9, 2014 to August 29, 2014.

It was unanimously adopted by parliament.

Jega to supervise conduct of Ekiti Guber Poll - REC ADO-EKITI - Prof.

Attahiru Jega, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will supervise the conduct of the June 21 governorship poll in Ekiti State.

Jega would be accompanied to the state by six National Commissioners and the Resident Electoral Commissioners in neighbouring states.

The Resident E l e c t o r a l Commissioner in Ekiti State, Alhaji Alilu Pai, disclosed this on Monday in Ado-Ekiti when he hosted an NGO, NUJ/NBA Peace Initiative on Election.

He said Jega’s

decision to move to the state for the election was borne out of his commitment to conducting a credible poll.

Pai said logistic arrangement for the poll had been concluded to ensure that cases of electoral materials arriving late at polling units would not arise.

He commended the efforts of interest groups as well as NGOs in promoting activities aimed at entrenching democracy.

Mr. Laolu Omosilade, the Chairman of Ekiti council of the NUJ, and Mr. Omodele Olawuni, the NBA chairman in the state, pledged that the NGO would do its best to ensure the success of the election.

Make yourselves relevant Samuel Ogbemudia visited Continued from page 1

his consultation ahead of the 2015 general election as well as the 2016 Edo State Governorship election.

Dr. Ogbemudia noted that a lot can be achieved diplomatically, and that the Ijaws in Edo State should see themselves as one of the components that make up the state.

He stressed the need for them to make peace and tranquility their watchword, pointing out that various parts of the state must be united so as to take Edo State to greater heights.

The former governor urged them to work-harder to ensure that the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan remains in office, so that the proposed Gelegele Seaport sees the light of day.

While noting that the 2015 general election as well as the governorship election in the state scheduled for 2016 were around the corner, Brig.

Gen. Ogbemudia informed his hosts that the visit was mainly meant to lay a foundation for all to work together as it affects Edo State.

He therefore enjoined them to join the crusade to ensure that another “competent hand” takes over from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who has done very well, come 2016.

The Chairman of Gelegele Community, Rev. (Dr.) Godwin Soroaye expressed

delight over the message of love, unity and tranquility brought them by Brig. Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia (Rtd).

He recalled the developmental strides of Dr. Ogbemudia when he was at the helm of affairs in the defunct Midwest and Bendel States, and that they were pleased by the visit.

On the proposed Seaport at Gelegele, Rev. Soroaye noted that apart from the survey work, no proper job has been done.

Dr. Soroaye therefore appealed to the federal government to begin work on the proposed Seaport as it would not only open-up economic activities for the state, but for the entire Niger Delta Region and the nation.

Similarly, Brig. Gen.

Edigin Evbonaye, one of the Edionwere in Evbuotubu axis in the state capital.

He informed the Odionwere of the need for all to join hands in the quest to search for a credible person that would take-over from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who has performed very well, come 2016 adding that the task should be seen as a collective responsibility.

Responding, the Odionwere who spoke through Chief Vincent Egbon thanked the former governor for the visit.

He assured that they would support the initiative to ensure that a credible person from the Benin bloc takes-over in 2016.

Dora Akunyili, an Amazon

Continued from page 1

Zonal Secretary of the Fund, an act which stood her out and earned her elevation to the exalted position of Director-General of NAFDAC. “A true Amazon, Dora Akunyili put her life on the line in her efforts to sanitise and salvage the nation’s drug industry and earned the ire of fake drugs’ importers who almost snuffed the life out of her in a desperate bid to continue in their nefarious and unwholesome business.

“Even as she battled with illhealth, she ignored her personal discomforts as she was keen to contribute her quota to the national discourse as a member of the ongoing National Conference.

“Dora’s sense of patriotism and commitment to the unity of the country defined her engagements through her trajectory in public service.

“I pray God to grant her family the fortitude to bear this great loss and grant the departed eternal rest in His bosom”, the Governor added.

News

N220bn Intervention Fund: SMEs Urge CBN Gov

LAGOS - Some Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have appealed to the new governor of the Central Bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele, to promptly disburse the N220 billion intervention fund for operators.

In interviews with newsmen yesterday in Lagos, some SMEs associations have urged Emefiele to release the fund to enable them utilise it in the second half of the year.

Mrs Lola Okanlawon, President, NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), said the establishment of the fund in August 2013 raised the hope of many entrepreneurs who had been obtaining loans at high interest rates.

“However, the delay in the disbursement of the fund has got everyone disappointed.

We hope that all the barriers against prompt disbursement of the fund would be removed soon.

“We laud President Jonathan for his efforts to boost small and medium enterprises; some of our members benefited from the YOUWIN project, but more

To Priotise Disbursement

needs to be done.” she said.

Mr Segun Kuti-George, the Chairman, Lagos chapter, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), also appealed to the CBN governor to give priority to the disbursement of the fund.

“We want the governor to priotise the disbursement of the fund to enhance efforts to reduce poverty, create jobs and ensure macro-economic stability.

“Most banks have been paying lip service to the assistance they claim to grant to SMEs because they have stringent conditions that our members cannot meet.

“We laud President Goodluck Jonathan for the initiative and believe that the disbursement of the fund would assist so many ailing businesses to bounce back, while creating more jobs”, he said.

Mr Eze Ubiji, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises

(NASME), expressed optimism that the new governor of CBN would disburse the intervention fund soon.

According to him, there are some conditions that have to be met to ensure smooth disbursement of the fund in line with the country’s revised Microfinance Policy Regulatory and Supervisory framework.

“One of the major reasons I think the disbursement of the fund has been delayed is because of the collateral issues that is prominent in accessing loans in Nigerian banks.

“The new governor of CBN mentioned that Collateral Registries Committee was being set up so that it would make it easier for more SMEs to access loans under a secured collateral system, but so many business owners are not aware.

“What I mean is that some women may have gold jewellery worth millions at

the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publisher of The OBSERVER titles, Citizen Emmanuel Okhakhu has assured of adequate publicity for the Edo Festival and Award Entertainment event.

Citizen Okhakhu gave the assurance in Benin City when members of Edo State Entertainment Forum paid him a courtesy visit at the BNCL Cooperate Headquarters.

The forum was led by an Edo State born entertainer, Ken Odeh, who solicited for the publicity of “The Edo Festival and Award” event, 2014 edition, from the

management of the BNCL. The U.K. based entertainer said that the festival started few years ago, with the aim of promoting young Edo Artists in diaspora as well as honour prominent people who have contributed positively to the growth of the state.

According to him, the 2014 edition of the annual entertainment event would hold on November 2, 2014 inUnited Kingdom.

A total of eighteen cultural troupes from Edo State have been invited to participate in the event, he said.

BNCL Assures Festival Organiser Of Publicity

By MARTIN ERHARUYI BENIN CITY – The Deputy General Manager Marketing of

Ken Odeh

home, but will be running here and there in search of collateral in form of property or land which they don’t have. “ So, we urge the committee to promptly come out with favourable policies and ways through which accessing loans would be made easier so that the intervention funds that are available would be disbursed on time,” he said.

Mr Onoja Usman, Managing Director, Lovonus Microfinance Bank Ltd., recently said that most microfinance banks might not

be able to access the fund.

Usman said that this was due to the stringent criteria the CBN had laid down for accessing the fund.

He said that most microfinance banks were struggling to shore up their capital to meet the financial requirements and this might delay the disbursement if the conditions were not made more flexible.

The CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) recently directed that prospective microfinance

banks and finance companies must comply with the prevailing regulatory capital requirements and prudential ratios.

Others conditions are average deposit growth rate of 20 per cent per annum for institutions that have been operating for over two years and average clientele base growth rate of 20 per cent per annum.

Sound risk management framework, corporate governance, adherence to sound ethical values and the degree of separation of ownership from control management are also part of the conditions.

Rt. Hon. Uyi Igbe, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, using the gavel to pass the motion for the suspension of the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen and Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhi at the House plenary yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

21 Sustain Serious Injuries In Badagry Auto Accident BADAGRY (Lagos State) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) yesterday confirmed that 21 passengers were seriously injured in a commercial bus accident at the Badagry Roundabout in Badagry, near Lagos.

The FRSC Unit Commander in Badagry, Mr Sulisu Galadunci, told newsmen in Badagry that the accident involved a Nissan bus with registration XY 819 JJJ. Galadunci, however, blamed the accident on over-speeding and brake failure, saying “the driver was conveying passengers from Seme to Badagry and was overspeeding.’’

“In the process, his brake failed and since he was speeding, he cannot control the vehicle anymore so he rammed

into the Badagry Roundabout.

“All the passengers, made up of 13 males, six females and two children, including the driver were critically injured and they have been taken to the Badagry General hospital,’’ he said.

It was learnt that the accident happened at about 11.35 a.m.

A reliable source at the hospital, who pleaded anonymity, told journalist that all the passengers seriously injured.

Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, member representing Egor Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, moving a motion on the floor of the house for the suspension of the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen and Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhi at the House plenary yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Edo Teenagers Contest Produce Winners

By IDEHEN EGHOSA

BENIN CITY - Winners have emerged at the Edo Teenagers Social Gathering Debate And Essay Writing Competition Season II held recently at Oba Akenzua II Cultural Complex, Benin City, to commemorate the Children’s Day Celebration.

The competition which was keenly contested featured 20 selected schools in Edo state.

Idia College and Igbinedion Education Centre emerged as winners of the debate and essay writing competition respectively.

Edo College was 1st runners up in the debate, while Faith Group of School and Evbareke Secondary School took 2 nd and 3 rd positions respectively in the essay writing competition.

The event which was organised by the Champion

Victory Foundation also featured the +ò Bring Back Our Girls +ò Campaign.

It started with a beautiful dance drama on the topic of kidnapping by teen dance group called Explosive Vibes and at the end, almost everyone in the auditorium carried the placard in support for the call to release the kidnapped Chibok School girls.

In her welcome speech, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Miss Irene Aghimien said that to take education away from young persons is slavery.

She stated further that: “Not only do we ask to bring back our girls but bring back young people’s right to education, freedom and security”. She employed policy makers, leaders, governments at all

levels to implement action plans on youth development.

Some special guests and sponsors present at the event included the former US Comsular General Brian Browne, a Consultant to University of Benin, Pro Osa Osemwota, Permanent Secretary (Establishment) Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism, Alfred Olaye, Gee Work and Décor, Nigeria Bottling Company etc.

News Clerics, Political Leaders Deny Outbreak Of Religious War In Gwoza MAIDUGURI - Religious and political leaders in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, state have, denied reports of an outbreak of religious war in the area.

Spokesperson of the group, Dr Asabe Vilita, told newsmen shortly after an emergency meeting in Maiduguri that “no ethno-religious crisis was recorded in Gwoza.”

Vilita, also the Borno Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, however, acknowledged that the area was facing attacks by suspected insurgents.

She said “we wish to state categorically clear that there is no outbreak of religious war in our communities in Gwoza as being speculated, especially in the social media.

“What our people are facing is full-scale insurgents’ attack and terrorism.

“Although sometimes people

Minerals Exploration

Foreign, Local Companies Participate ABUJA - The Federal Government has said that 60 foreign and 4,000 local companies were participating in the country’s mineral exploration.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Sada, told newsmen in Abuja that the firms had been registered to explore and exploit the minerals.

Sada said that the investors were attracted to the sector because of the country’s rich mineral resources.

He said the companies were carrying out exploration on various minerals, including gold, iron ore, lead, zinc ore, coal, gypsum, barytes, kaolin, tin, cassiterite, clay, manganese and gemstones.

The minister said the companies had acquired mining titles and were at various sites doing exploration and reconnaissance activities.

He added that some of them had extracted samples and sent them to their countries of origin or relevant laboratories for analysis.

Sada said the participation of the companies in the sector would generate employment, create wealth and improve capacity utilisation of manufacturing companies, while increasing the revenue base and promoting import substitution.

However, the minister explained that exploration had no returns on investment, adding that it was just about data gathering to enable investors take plausible mining decisions.

He said there was the need for the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to educate foreign investors on the exploration and mining aspects to enable them to understand the sector better.

have disagreements due to the confusion caused by the attacks in different areas, our people have since identified the insurgents as common enemy and have decided to unite in fighting them.”

She said 1,290 persons have been displaced in the current insurgents’ attacks in the area, especially in Gwoza East, stressing that “most people had to escape to Maiduguri, following increased attacks in villages in the last few days.

“We have decided to set up three camps in Maiduguri, where these people are taking shelter now.

“The camps are located in the EYN Church in Wulari area of Maiduguri, the Molai General Hospital and an area in Tashan Bama, also in Maiduguri.

“We have about 426 refugees in the EYN Church, about 50 refugees in Molai General Hospital and 814 refugees in Tashan Bama.”

Vilita said that a committee had been set up to mobilise relief materials for the victims, announcing that “four of the six communities in Gwoza East are currently under siege by the insurgents.’’

The spokesperson listed Ngoshe, Agapalwa, Ashigashiya and Cikide as the affected areas.

She said religious and political leaders from Gwoza were collaborating with military authorities and other security agencies to ensure that normalcy was restored in the area.

She added that “we are in contact with military authorities and they have assured that they will secure the area soonest for peace to return.’’

She then appealed to security organisations to intensify efforts aimed at securing the area for the villagers to return home.

Gold Mining

Nigeria Partners S/Africa

Hon. Philip Shaibu, Majority leader, Edo State House of Assembly, seconding the motion for the suspension of the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Festus Ebea, Hon. Jude Ise-Idehen, Hon. Patrick Osayimwen and Hon. Friday Ogierhiakhi at the House plenary yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

A block of six classrooms built by Hon. (Barr) Paul Ohonbamu, member representating Egor Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly as part of his 2013 Constituency project at Edaiken Primary School Uselu, during the commissioning last week. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Immortalise Akunyili, ASUU Tells FG

NSUKKA (ENUGU STATE)-The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Dr Ifeanyichukwu Abada, has described Professor Dora Akunyili’s death as a big loss to Nigeria.

Abada told newsmen in Nsukka that the union received the passing on of the former Minister of Information with shock and surprise.

He said Akunyili’s death had robbed the country of a rare icon and an amazon.

“She was a godly, courageous and patriotic woman who contributed immensely to the country’s national development.

“It is Akunyili’s uncommon courage as NAFDAC Director-General that made her to fight barons of fake drugs to a standstill, thereby saving many Nigerians who could have died untimely as a result of taking fake drugs.

“She put her life at stake to ensure sanity in the Nigerian drugs industry, which helped to save many Nigerians as well as salvage the image of the country in the eyes of the international community.

“The death of this former Information Minister has robbed the country of an amazon, an icon and an intelligent and courageous woman who treaded where some men could not, because of the love she has for the

fatherland,’’ Abada said.

He said the death of Akunyili had thrown the UNN into morning, as the university had lost an erudite scholar who had done the university proud in various ways.

“UNN has lost super lioness and a great ambassador. The vacuum created by the death of Akunyili in the country will take time to be filled,’’ the ASUU official said.

The chapter chairman urged the family of Akunyili to take solace in the fact that she lived a useful life and served her fatherland excellently.

“The greatest thing the family will do for her is to follow the good legacies which endeared her to

Nigerians and the entire world,’’ he said.

Abada urged government to ensure a befitting burial for her and also immortalise her as someone who served Nigeria with all her strength and might.

“Government should ensure that the former NAFDAC director-general is given a befitting burial, as well as name an edifice after her as a way of rewarding her patriotism.

“Nothing will be too big to immortalise Akunyili as she believed in the Nigerian Project and continued to champion it till death.

“My prayer is that God will grant her soul eternal rest,’’ he said.

ABUJA - Nigeria and South Africa are partnering to promote the development of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the country, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Sada, has said.

The minister stated this in an interview with newsmen at the weekend in Abuja.

He said under the arrangement, the ministry would procure mining machineries from South Africa for artisanal and smallscale gold miners.

“The machines are to give better value to mined gold. Our focus is on gold because we have a lot of artisanal and small-scale miners.

“We realised that we are wasting a lot of resources and not getting as much as we should from mining. So, we need to improve on our mining technology and commodity pricing,’’ he said.

Sada said that Nigeria would also partner with North Korea to develop the huge granite deposits in the country, adding that the Asian country had a lot of competence in granite development, processing and use.

He noted that granite was used for resurfacing of roads in North Korea, unlike in Nigeria where bitumen is used.

“We feel that with the huge amount of granite we have in the country, we can use it for many things.

“You can imagine a road surfaced with granite; the road will be very durable,’’ he said, adding that a study had been conducted on rock materials in the country.

“We have engaged an Italian consultant who went around the country and identified all the rock types.

“There is a type of rock you can cut and polish, and there is one you can crush and use for your building and road construction.

“There is another type that can be cut into cubes and used for pavements, floors or roads,’’ he added.

The minister said that Nigeria had concluded plans to acquire the technology and deploy granite cutting machines across the country.

He said that the ministry and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) were collaborating in mineral processing to ensure the viability of mining industries.

He said that the ministry and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) would ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources had appropriate value, adding that 44 minerals had been identified, while priority was accorded to seven due to paucity of funds.

“We want to take minerals to a point where they can make the greatest impact.

“If we give attention to all the identified 44 minerals, we may not be able to develop them to the required height,’’ he added.

Across The Nation Sultan Urges Nigerians To Turn To God

Delta To Disburse N22m To Rural Farmers ASABAThe Delta government has earmarked N22 million for disbursement to rural farmers under the National Programme for Food Security (NPFS), Mr. Misan Ukubeyinje, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said.

Ukubeyinje told newsmen that the fund disbursement had already commenced.

He said “I recently disbursed cheque to three benefiting groups from Ugbenu in Ethiope West Local Government Area, Ayokoromo and Abigborodo in Warri North and each of these groups received N3 million to support their farms.’’

The commissioner added that the disbursement, which had been on since 2002, was being sustained through a counterpart fund between the state and the federal government.

He noted that the state government recently paid its counterpart fund for the year, thereby creating an opportunity for participating farmers group to draw down on demand for the amount needed to boost food production in the state.

The programme was being managed by the state’s Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Ibusa, to ensure effective disbursement and efficient utilisation of the funds by participating groups.

According to Ukubeyinje, there are nine participating groups in the programme representing three communities from each of the three senatorial districts of the state.

“Graciously, the Delta Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, paid the state counterpart fund this year to enable farmers who met the obligations to have access to the loan.

“These funding is to uplift the poorest of the poor farmers across the three senatorial districts and it has impacted positively on the lives of the people in those communities.

“This programme is being run by the ADP and expected to be paid back into a specialised account to be revolved among the farmers which target is to reduce poverty in the land.’’

The commissioner urged other participants in the programme to

take advantage of the fund to improve agricultural production.

When contacted, Mr Richard Asenime, the Programme Manager, ADP, told newsmen that N21, 850,000 had been earmarked under NPFS for disbursement to benefitting farmers in the programme.

He said “Ugbenu community in Ethiop West received N2,580,000 to boost production of cassava, broilers, palm oil, small ruminants and plantation and for cassava processing mills in the region.

“Ayokoromo and Abigborodo groups both in Warri North received N2,280,000 and N2, 500,000 respectively to support potatoe cultivation, artisanal fisheries, broilers and layers production, fish and cassava processing.’’

The Assistant General Manager, Advertisement, Barrister Sunny Airhueghian with his wife during the burial ceremony of his mother, Late Mrs. Ighomoigiaro Airhueghian (Nee Okunorobo) in Benin City, weekend. Photo: OSADEMBAMWEN SUNDAY

R-L: Director of Publications, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Lucky Wasa; Acting General Manager, Bendel Newspapers Co. Ltd., (BNCL), publishers of the OBSERVER titles, Pastor Monday Aigbe; Retired Director of Information in the Ministry and former General Manager, (BNCL) Mr. Dennis Omoregie and the Deputy General Manager, Administration Dept. Mallam Aminu Momodu at the burial ceremony of Late Mrs. Ighomoigiaro Airhueghian (Nee Okunorobo) mother of the AGM, Advertisement Dept. Barr. Sunny Airhueghian in Benin City, weekend. Photo: OSADEMBAMWEN SUNDAY.

Ondo Pays N396m Bursary To Students AKURE- The Ondo State Government says it is disbursing N396 million to 32,784 indigenous students of the state in the country’s tertiary institutions as bursaries and scholarships for the 2013 scheme.

The Chairman, Ondo State

Scholarship Board, Mr Dayo Awude, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Akure.

According to Awude, the money has been released for the payment of last year’s bursary and scholarship awards.

“The sum of N320 million is

Nigeria Will Rise Above Challenges leadership.

MARARABA (NASARAWA “Many nations are depending Cleric STATE)-Rev. Kefas Balewa of on Nigeria, politically and the Christian Worship Centre has said that Nigeria was on the path of fulfilling its destiny and would rise above its challenges.

Balewa stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after the Sunday service in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

He said that God had shown His love for Nigeria above other countries in many ways, in spite of the challenges facing it.

“Nigeria is blessed and God has placed her above other nations in Africa.

“What we are experiencing now is the path that God has prepared for us to fulfil our

SOKOTO- The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to turn to God in finding solutions to some of the recurring problems in the country.

The Sultan made the call in Sokoto on Sunday at a one-day seminar on “The Position of Islam on Begging.’’

The seminar was organised by the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Committee, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Abubakar said “we must turn to God and pray fervently for God to intervene in the affairs of Nigeria.

“Turning to God and living our lives according to religious injunctions are the only ways out of the current quagmire in the nation.

“We should also have a sense of pity toward our less privileged brothers and sisters.’’

The Sultan also stressed the need for social justice, equity and fairness in the affairs of the country.

He advised clerics to shun materialism, bigotry and ceaseless power seeking, adding that “clerics should also shun all forms of provocative preaching and guide their followers aright.’’

He commended Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State for putting emphasis on the growth and development of Islam.

He added that “Governor Aliyu Wamakko has also ensured that good governance and efficient service delivery are the main thrust of his seven-year-old administration.

“This has happily made the state to remain peaceful, united and home to all, irrespective of our diverse religious, political and ethnic differences.’’

destiny as leader of other nations.

“All we need do is to humble ourselves before God, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.

“God says He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal this land.

“It is up to Nigerians to free the country from workers of iniquity through prayers and intercession and let it take its position in the world.”

The cleric said that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges and rise above its problems through prayers, obedience to God and good

spiritually, and we cannot afford to fail them or we would be failing God and our generations to come,’’ he said.

The cleric observed that the road to Nigeria’s greatness, though filled with “thorns and various obstacles’’, would be smooth soon.

He said that there were millions of believers who were daily interceding for the country.

“Let us all take our destiny into our hands by pursuing peace at all times.

“Let us show love as God commanded us. He will strengthen our steps and enlarge our nation,’’ he said.

earmarked for bursary for 32,000 students, while N76 million is for scholarships and financial assistance to 784 students and we have commenced payment.

He said that some students had problems with their bank account details, adding that the board had communicated with them and they had been responding and correcting the errors.

Awude said that for a student to qualify for regular scholarship, which is N100, 000, he or she must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.0.

The student must also write and pass a qualifying test.

“Each successful applicant under this category receives

N100, 000 and this is called regular scheme,’’ the chairman said.

He also said that all Ondo State indigenes in Law Schools and medical students from clinical levels were entitled to N50, 000 each under the government’s automatic scholarship.

Awude said that all physically challenged students in tertiary institutions of the state, who applied were given N50, 000 each without any test or requirement.

He stressed that it was a way of assisting and encouraging the “weak”.

According to him, any person who excelled in any other field

is given an award under “special and automatic’’ scheme with a cash benefit of N100, 000 each.

“Any Ondo State indigene who is able to excel in any specific field like sports, education, and cultural display or achieve any other feat is entitled to N100, 000 every year.

“For bursary, the major qualification for one to apply is that he must be in a university, polytechnic, college of education, monotechnic or school of health and hail from Ondo State,” Awude said.

He expressed appreciation to the students for their loyalty and patience while the process of payment lasted.

Taraba: Farmers, Grazers Clash JALINGO- The Taraba police command has confirmed that seven persons lost their lives in fresh clashes between farmers and cattle grazers in Ananom, Donga Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Joseph Kwaji, told journalists in

Claims 7 Lives

Jalingo that several people also sustained injuries in the clashes.

He said that the police mobilised to the area in a bid to maintain law and order, adding that normalcy had been restored to the communities.

Kwaji appealed to the warring

parties to lay down their arms and embrace peace for meaningful development in their area.

He appealed to the people to always report suspicious persons to law enforcement agents for immediate action.

South-West

Assualt

Defilement 53-yr-Old Engineer Remanded SANGO-OTA (OGUN) A 53-year-old engineer, Leonard Okafor, was remanded in prison by an Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl.

The accused, who resides at 13, Ketere Area of SangoOta, was arraigned for alleged defilement of the victim at about 9.p.m. on May 28 at his residence.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Italta Ebobimino, alleged that Ebobimino was fond of enticing underage girls whose ages ranged between five years and 10 years with the intention of having unlawful carnal knowledge of them.

He said that the offence contravened section 218 of the Criminal Code Vol.1 of Revised, Law of Ogun State, 2006.

Senior Magistrate Titi Bello ordered the remand of the accused pending the receipt of legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

She adjourned the case till Friday.

Taxi Driver Arraigned

Deputy General Manager, Marketing, Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL), publishers of the OBSERVER newspapers, Citizen Kola Okhakhu (right) and the Editor of the NIGERIAN OBSERVER, Barrister Solomon Imohiosen at the burial ceremony of Late Mrs. Ighomoigiaro Airhueghian (Nee Okunorobo) mother of the Assistant General Manager, (Advertisement). Barr. Sunny Airhueghian in Benin City, weekend.

Photo: OSADEMBAMWEN SUNDAY.

Abiola Ushered In Enduring Democracy - Ex-Lawmaker AKURE - A former lawmaker, Mr Kele Bolodeoku, has described the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election,

Chief MKO Abiola, as the vehicle that brought enduring democracy to the country.

Physically Challenged Persons Can Partake In CBT - JAMB

Bolodeoku, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Akure.

The former lawmaker called on the Federal Government to ensure that Abiola was celebrated by all, adding that the elite who were responsible for Abiola’s travails had refused to accord him deserved recognition.

Bolodeoku, who said Abiola’s contribution to the nation’s political growth had remained enduring, called for true and genuine reconciliation.

He also said the on-going national conference would

address certain salient political and economic issues.

The former lawmaker, however, called on the Federal Government to tackle corruption, saying “ we have to tackle the issue of corruption if we are to move forward as a nation.’’

“The struggle for power by politicians is not for the love of the masses.

“Their interest is only to enable them have access to the nation’s resources. “ It is regrettable that in our country today, there is no middle class, it’s either you are poor or rich. ‘’Those who have access to the nation’s recourses have not been using it to benefit the masses but for their personal interest,’’ he added.

Adebiyi, who said that OSOGBO -The Joint different folks; while many Unotoma passed the examination physically fit UTME candidates Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says physically were reluctant to accept the CBT with an aggregate score of 219, challenged persons now partake mode, a disabled student was full urged other examination bodies to embrace the CBT mode to in its Computer Based Test of appreciation to JAMB. make examinations all-inclusive.

Obviously, the CBT has (CBT). ‘’I am happy to tell you that The JAMB Coordinator in rekindled the hope of Unotoma Unotoma passed her examination who confirmed to me that she Osun, Mr. Johnson Adebiyi, disclosed this in an interview almost lost every hope of going with a total score of 219; there further after secondary school is certainly ability in disability,’’ with newsmen in Osogbo. he said.

Adebiyi said the CBT mode education,’’ he said. had made it possible for a physically challenged student to partake in the exercise using her toes.

He said that the original motive of the board for introducing the CBT in 2013 was to curb examination malpractice. “ The gains are thereafter multiple because the exercise has made it possible for less privileged students to take part in the examination.

“A disabled candidate, Miss Unotoma Hannah, who could not use her fingers, was allowed and opportuned to use her toes in the CBT mode.

“The candidate confessed that, she has passed through some terrible experience as a result of her inability to use her hands to write. ‘’It was an emotional sight to see a candidate passionately using her toes to operate the computer during an examination. ‘’Indeed, the CBT mode has been a blessing to Nigerian L-R: Founder/CEO Champion Victory US Foundation, Miss Irene Aghimien, former Consular General, Brian students in all categories. ‘’It is a different stroke for Browne and the Minister of the Essay writing competition and student of Igbinedion Education Centre, Miss

Aisosa, Benin City.

AKURE - A 37-year old taxi driver, Tunde Eleyele, was arraigned in an Akure Magistrates’ Court for alleged conspiracy and assault of a police officer.

The prosecutor, Insp Martins Olowofeso, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 3 at about 6 p.m. at Ijomu junction, Akure.

Olowofeso said the accused conspired with six others at large to assault one Insp Lazarus George while performing his lawful duty by hitting him with fists.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 516 and 356(2) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the twocount charge of conspiracy and assault.

The Magistrate, Mrs Olufunke Adegoroye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till July 7 for hearing.

Theft

Man, 30, Arraigned AKURE - A 30-year-old man, Tope Oladele, was arraigned in an Akure Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing 50 litres of petrol valued at N4,850.

The prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 4 at about 7.30 a.m. at Life Bible Church in Akure.

Adejuwon said the petroleum product belonged to one Pastor Oluwole Marcus, adding that the offence contravened section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the onecount charge of stealing.

Adejuwon applied for an adjournment to enable him assemble his three witnesses in court.

Report states that the counsel to the accused, Azeez Agbaje, did not oppose the application for an adjournment.

The magistrate, Mrs Olubukola Kuye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

Kuye adjourned the case to Wednesday for hearing.

Dora Akunyili (1954 - 2014) Akunyili: Nigerians In Europe Tasks FG On Cancer Campaign LONDON- A cross section of Nigerians in Europe have urged the Federal Government to scale up awareness campaign on the dangers and treatment of cancer.

The Nigerians in Diaspora made the appeal while reacting to the death of former DirectorGeneral of the National Agency for Food, Drugs and Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili.

Akunyili, also a former Information Minister, died in an

Indian hospital in the early hours of Saturday after a battle with cancer at the age of 59 The Nigerians told the Europe journalists in London that Akunyili’s death was a great loss to Nigeria and the pharmaceutical sector.

They recalled her contributions in promoting the country’s image through the “Good People, Good Nation” project, which she championed as information minister.

Mr Abraham Ikpi, a pharmacist

in Paris, said in a telephone interview that “even when she was sick, she contributed to the ongoing National Conference, which shows her passion for a better Nigeria.’’

Also, Dr Rose Ogah in Berlin, said: “Professor Akunyili was a

courageous woman who stood for the truth, we will miss her.’’

Ogah, who noted that cancer was a silent killer claiming millions of lives annually across the globe, urged the Federal Government to dedicate funds in research and sensitise the public

on early warning symptoms.

In the same vein, Mrs Ayo Roberts, a London-based care specialist, said “the cancer scourge is worst than HIV, it is a fast killer, our government needs to focus on creating awareness”.

Roberts observed that the

scourge was beyond breast cancer and prostrate cancer affecting men and women, even babies and teenagers die from various types of cancer.

“Our government needs to take drastic action now,’’ the care specialist stressed.

Akunyili: Nigeria

Loses An Illustrous Patriot - Mimiko AKURE- Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has expressed grief over the death of Professor Dora Akunyili, a former Minister of Information and Communications.

The governor said in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eni Akinsola, that “the nation has lost an illustrious and patriotic citizen to the cold hands of death’’.

Mimiko said that the former Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), lived an exemplary life and “a life of selfless service to the nation’’.

“In her service as the DirectorGeneral of NAFDAC, Akunyili distinguished herself as a diligent, dedicated and dogged public servant.

“She restored sanity in the system and set a new standard in food and drug administration and control, such that has been difficult for her successors to surpass,’’ Mimiko said.

According to him, Akunyili’s capacity as information minister, also proved her outstanding prowess to the world as a true patriot and an outstanding imagemaker of the nation.

“Even though we are mindful of the fact that God giveth and taketh when He wishes, it must be said that death has robbed our nation of a true patriot, exemplary public official and an illustrious daughter.

“We can only pray that Dora’s soul finds deserved repose in the bossom of the Lord, considering the fact that she battled cancer for some time before her death,’’ Mimiko said.

The governor on behalf of the government and people of the state, commiserated with Akunyili’s family, friends and associates, and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Mr. Folunsho Adebanjo, Commissioner of Police, Edo State addressing the press at the Edo State House of Assembly Complex yesterday. Photo: GODWIN ISEGUAN.

Nigerians Pay Tribute To Dora Akunyili ABUJA- Nigerians from all works of life, have continued to shower tributes on late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

In a statement issued in Awka, by the factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh described Akunyili as a woman of courage and extraordinary achievement.

Umeh said that the death of the former Minister of Information was saddening and most unfortunate.

The chairman said her death was a great loss to Nigeria and the women folk, adding that she also was a devout Christian who dared where most men feared.

Umeh said that the late politician was a worthy ambassador of the Igbo race.

“Her death is very saddening; it is a huge loss to Nigeria and the womenfolk.

“The Igbos have lost an ambassador, however, she was a woman of uncommon and extraordinary achievement. She was brilliant and exceptionally bold and courageous.

“She dared where most men chickened out, APGA mourns her death and commiserate with her

NAWOJ Urges FG To Immortalise Akunyili ABUJA- The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late NAFDAC boss, Prof. Dora Akunyili.

The NAWOJ National President, Ifeyinwa Omowole, in a statement in Abuja, said the death of Akunyili was the fall of dedicated and a pragmatic public servant.

“Akunyili was indeed a woman who made her mark on the sands of time and her death has created a hollow in the heart of this great nation, especially the women.

“She was a pragmatic public servant who dedicated her life to the safety of Nigerians by ensuring that drugs coming into the country and manufactured in the country were safe.

“She sanitised the drug and food industry and saved many families the sorrow of losing one or more of their members to the consumption of fake drugs or unwholesome food.

“This feat earned her many awards, both locally and internationally.

“Indeed, our sorrowful elegy knows no bounds as words might not be enough to describe the magnitude of sorrow her demise

has caused NAWOJ and indeed the nation.

“As a minister, she fought tirelessly for the actualisation of the Media Salary Scale.

“She will always be

remembered by media professionals and all who came in contact with her as an empathic welfare, who always ensured the wellbeing of others.

“The association remembers her for her firm belief in the

Nigerian project with her initiation of the re-brand Nigeria programme.”

Omowole said the programme changed the perception of the country, both locally and internationally.

husband and family, and may she rest in peace.’’

Also reacting to Akunyili’s death, the former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife, described her as a vivacious, lively, brilliant intellectual who was courageous.

Ikedife recalled that Akunyili was a member of the National Conference where she showed courage even in her ill health.

“When it was her turn to react to the presidential address, the chairman of the conference asked her to sit and make her contributions but she insisted that she would stand up and speak.

“She stood and spoke brilliantly, eloquently and with great precision in spite of her apparent ill health, she showed courage,” Ikedife noted.

He described the former NAFDAC boss as “an illuminating star and standard pace setter for many young ones.’’

“She had imbued and inspired many young people, she will certainly be missed in the politics of Nigeria today.

“She was honest, brilliant, hardworking, dogged, determined and well-focused.

“It was her doggedness that led to an attempt on her life once, because she was incorruptible not yielding to the whims and caprices of drug adulterators,” he added.

In its reaction, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), South-East Zone, described Akunyili as a straight forward woman who pursued her duties with great zeal.

Akunyili’s Death, A Blow To Nigeria - Obasanjo

The Chairman, Gele-Gele Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. Godwin Soroaye (right) welcoming a former Governor of the defunct Midwest and Bendel States, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia who visited the community recently. Photo: OSADEBAMWEN SUNDAY.

A B E O K U TA - F o r m e r President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the death of Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Minister of Information and Communications, as a deadly blow to the nation.

Obasanjo, who spoke with newsmen in Abeokuta, described Akunyili as a dedicated professional whose exit would leave a vacuum that would require a conscious search to fill.

He also described Akunyili as a workaholic and a social crusader.

Obasanjo recalled Akunyili’s commitment to the crusade against fake drugs when she served as the Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drugs

Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to him, “many innocent Nigerians would have gone to their early graves’’ if not for the crusade she championed against many drug barons and cabals.

“Akunyili was a workaholic member of my administration, and I sincerely appreciate her service.

“Her life made a great change in many areas of lives of the country, particularly in the health sector.

“She was everywhere to fight fake drugs, and it could have been fatal for Nigeria if she had not stood up against the situation then.’’

Across The Nation Minister Calls For Educational Reform OWERRI - The Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has called for educational reforms in the North to complement efforts in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency.

Obanikoro made the call in Owerri, during the second memorial lecture in honour of late Prof. Celestine Onwuliri.

Onwuliri was the former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), who died in the Dana air crash in May 2012.

In a lecture titled: “Security and National Development”, Obanikoro said for insurgency to be eradicated in the North, there must be a reform of the educational system to help bridge the education gap in the area.

He said that the consequences of mass illiteracy in the North and the politics of underdevelopment had contributed to the birth of Boko Haram insurgency.

The minister said: “Educational vacuum has been created in the North, which Boko Hara is exploiting to pursue its

subversive ideologies.’’

According to him, Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina and Gombe state have Nigerian’s worst girlchild education record and the highest female illiteracy rate.

He said that Nigeria could not achieve any greatness if any part of this country was left behind in the nation’s drive to provide education for the citizens.

Obanikoro said that members of the Boko Haram sect believed that “western education is a sin’’, adding that such was a wrong ideology caused by illiteracy.

“Islam has no quarrel with education and those killing innocent souls are misguided people who have never read the Holy Qu’ran.

“I call on all my true Muslim brothers and sisters to denounce Boko Haram insurgency and stop being misguided by selfish leaders,” he said.

The minister said politicians must be very careful with the way they play politics with Boko Haram insurgency.

BAUCHI - The Parents/ Teaches Association (PTA) of Federal Government Girls College, Bauchi, has rejected proposals by the school’s management to be sending to them directly, the results of their wards through handset.

Introducing the plan during a meeting of the association, the school’s Examination Officer, Mr. Obu Godpower, explained that such arrangement was necessitated by complaints from some parents that their wards do not present their report cards.

According to him, the sending of reports to parents through SMS, if introduced, will address the problem. “ If agreed, parents would receive their children’s continues assessments score, examination score in all subject every term at just N300.

“As such, whether a student brings his result home or not, parent will receive same directly in their handset via SMS“.

Godpower said that the plan would also provide parents, access to the school website where they could view the detail performance of their children.

He explained that the company that was contacted to provide the service, requested for N500 per students, but after intense negotiations, accepted N300.

He said that currently, the school had contracted an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm that prepared all the school’s results, adding that it was very effective.

“The world is being driven by Information and Communication Technology and we must move along with it or be left behind,” he said

After intense debate, the matter was subjected to voting and was rejected by the parents.

The parents were divided on the issue of whether or not, ‘hijab’ be introduced as part of the school uniform.

One of the parents, Mr Elisha Bulus, argued that it would divide the students along religious lines, thereby exposing them to all kinds of religious prejudice.

Another parent, Malam Umar Jaja, however argued that the plan was a welcome idea considering the high rate of rape in the society, adding that the hijab

According to him, politicising the war against insurgency can be counter-productive.

The minister said that there could not be any sustainable development without peace and security in a country.

He said that the fight against insurgency had become an unfortunate distraction in the efforts of government to give dividends of democracy to its citizens.

The minister said that the drive for development had suffered a great setback in the North as a result of insurgency.

He said that some of the resources meant for development were being used to fight the war.

“Some of the ongoing projects in the North have been impeded by the challenges of insecurity.

L-R: All Progressivs Congress (APC), Bauchi State Chieftain, Malam Ali Wakili, National Deputy Treasurer of APC, Capt. Bala Jibrin and former Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Lame, during inauguration of APC officials in Bauchi yesterday.

PTA Rejects Proposals For Results Delivery Via SMS

L-R: Chairman, All Progressive Congress (left), Bauchi State, Alhaji Uba Nana (left) and Executive members of the party in the state, during their inauguration yesterday.

NAWOJ To Train Female Journalists

LAGOS - Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, the President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said in Lagos that the association would soon begin “massive” training programmes for female journalists in the country.

Omowole, who made this known during the association’s monthly congress, said that this was in fulfilment of her campaign promises.

She said that a gender-based training for 30 Journalists in Zone ‘B’ comprising Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states would hold on June 11.

She further said that the training programmes for the Lagos NAWOJ would hold monthly for the next three years and that it would include international trainings.

“For all your congresses, you will always get one training,“ she said.

The president said that 480 Journalists would be trained in the 15 ECOWAS member

countries and Mauritania with the pilot programme scheduled to hold in Bamako, Mali, from July 2 to July 13, adding that female Journalists in the country would benefit from it.

She further said that the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) would on July 2, launch ‘Women Reporting Women’, a three-year gender sensitive reporting project for women Journalists from Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

She explained that the project which end in December 2016, would target 32 women Journalists, to be trained as trainers on gender sensitive reporting.

Earlier, Miss Nkechi Naeche, Editor, Businesstoday online, criticised some Nigerian Journalists who engaged in publishing negative reports about the country.

Naeche gave the example of Rwandan genocide which, she noted was fuelled by the reports

of some Journalists who took sides.

“We should practice developmental journalism,“ she stressed.

Similarly, Mrs Grace Alegba of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) criticised the current trend of partisanship among some Journalists instead of

adhering to objective reportage.

“Some of us have become members of various political parties and instead of being objective in our reports, we project party ideologies but we owe the public a duty of accurate reporting,“ she said.

In a remark, the NUJ Lagos Council Chairman, Mr Deji

Elumoye, commended the Lagos NAWOJ for hosting a successful delegates conference in May. “If women are able to hold a successful election like this, the Independent National Electoral Commission should borrow a leaf from them for a successful conduct of the 2015 election,” he said.

documents to the proof of evidence.

He said the documents, which were recently brought to his attention, were vital to the prosecution of the case against Adenuga and his company, Covenant Apartment Complex Ltd. The counsel, therefore, prayed for an adjournment to enable the EFCC serve the defence with the additional proof of evidence.

Counsel to the defendants, Messrs Muiz Banire and Ehis

Agboga, did not oppose the request and the trial judge, Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya, consequently adjourned the matter till June 15.

The defendants are facing a three-count charge of stealing, forgery and use of false documents.

According to the EFCC, the defendants, between February 2008 and September 2011, fraudulently converted to their own use, a land measuring about 22.68 hectares.

Trial Of Ex-Chevron Accountant Fixed For June 15 Fraud:

IKEJA - An Ikeja High Court has adjourned till June 15, a suit against a former accountant with Chevron Nigeria Ltd., Michael Adenuga, who was charged with N5 billion property theft.

The court failed to begin trial last Wednesday as earlier slated following a request for an adjournment by the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Emmanuel Jackson.

Jackson said that the prosecution intended to add more

Abuja Cleric Preaches Love Among Nigerians ABUJA- Most Rev. Joseph Oche-Jacob, the Archbishop of Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Abuja, has urged Nigerians to love and show goodness to one another irrespective of religious beliefs to move the country forward.

Oche-Jacob made the appeal on Sunday in an interview with newsmen after a service to conclude a three-day conference of the Church’s 29th Lay President’s Council.

He said “we should by nature, exhibit what is called goodness, it is not religious, whether you are a Muslim or Christian or you have no religion at all.

“There is one natural attribute that God has deposited on each one of us to make us relate well, fit well into the society and make the society good.

“If all Nigerians, Christians and Muslims will exhibit and demonstrate that goodness that God has planted in us, our moving forward will land us in the promise land.”

The archbishop said that in spite of the current security and other challenges facing the nation, Nigeria was moving forward.

“As long as God is in heaven controlling the affairs of men, we cannot be stagnant, men are always on motion, the world is on motion; we are moving forward.

“Moving forward is always

constant, it is always perpetual but where we are moving to always matters,’’ he said.

Oche-Jacob said that other factors that determined the positive movement of man or society were belief of the people and respect for a nation’s constitution.

He called on political leaders at the various levels to govern according to the rule of law and respect the people’s fundamental rights for the well-being of society.

“There is no constitution, whether Church constitution or the national constitutional that says that we should do some of the things that we are doing.

“The corruption, hatred, assassination and unemployment that is ravaging everywhere, we should think of what the constitution says concerning humanity and the rights of human beings.”

On the demise of former Minister of Information, Mrs Dora Akunyili, the bishop described her as “a great and wonderful woman’’ who had contributed to the growth of the nation.

“She contributed to the growth of this nation but death knows no greatness, it can fall on the downtrodden, the rich and the middle class.

“Dora does not belong to those we can forget easily, she has left a vacuum,’’ he said.

Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), retired General Martin-Luther Agwai speaking with newsmen after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday.

Navigation, Surveillance Facilities Working At Optimal level - NAMA ABUJA- The Nigerian Airspace Managements Agency (NAMA) has said that all communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management facilities were working at optimal levels.

The Managing Director of the management, Mr ibrahim Abdulsalam, announced this in a statement signed by the agency’s General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Supo Atobatele, in Abuja.

Abdulsalam, who spoke at the Aviation Family Forum organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, however, assured air travellers of their safety within the nation’s

got “Best Alternative’’ and Goldfish got “Best Pop.’’ The song, “Y-tjukutja’’, a collaboration between South African artists Uhuru, Oskido, DJ Bucks, Professor and Yuri Da Cunha of Angola won the award for “Best Collaboration.’’

Other winners were Lupita Nyongo’o’ (Kenya) who got the award of “Personality of the Year; Stanley Enow (Cameroun) – “Best New Act’’; Sarkodie (Ghana) - “Best Hip Hop’’ and

Toofan (Togo) – “Best Fracophone.’’

The rest of the awards were won by Anselmo Ralph (Angola) – “Best Lusophone’’; Pharrell Williams (U.S.A) – “Best International Act’’ and Ashish J. Thakkar (Tanzania) won the “MTV Base Leadership Award.’’

Nigeria’s Davido, who spoke on the awards he received, said: “I am only 21-years-old and I am living my dream.’’

He thanked his producer,

Shizzi, and everyone who voted for him and dedicated the award to Nigeria.

Clarence Peters thanked his mother, a Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwura, and his Manager, Tobechukwu Ejiofor (Ill Bliss) and dedicated his awards to God and Nigeria.

Flavour thanked everyone, especially his band which made the live performance possible, while Tiwa Savage who danced onstage with her husband, Tee Bills, thanked her fans and Don Jazzy, her Producer.

There were musical performances by Flavour, Mafikizolo, D’banj, Sarkodie, Mazamo, Miguel, Dr Sid, Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Ice Prince, Trey Songz, Diamond, Davido and French Montana.

Other highlights of the evening include an acoustic guitar tribute to Nelson Mandela by Afro-Soul star Simphiwe Dana, who performed in front of a giant time lapse video artwork by street artist, Rasty.

Multiple-Grammy winners, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, brought the house to its feet with their unexpected mash-up of various African hit songs including D’banj’s ‘Oliver Twist’.

The show ended with all the artists assembled on stage for a medley of French Montana songs, including ‘Pop That’, ‘Freaks’ and ‘Ain’t Worried About Nothin.’

Some of the award presenters were French Montana, D’Banj, Nomzamo Mbatha, Goldfish, DJ Fresh, John Vlismas, Kajal Bagwandeen, DJ Edu, Minnie Dlamini, Sizwe Dhlomo, Dorcas Shola Fapson, DJ C’ndo and Efya.

Davido, Peters, Tiwa Savage, Flavour Win 6 MAMAs DURBAN (SOUTH AFRICA)- Nigerian artists, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Flavour and video director Clarence Peters, won six MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) at a ceremony held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Durban.

The reports state that Davido received two of the biggest awards of the night — “Artist of the Year’’ and “Best Male Artist of the Year.’’

Clarence Peters also won two awards — “Transform Today by

Absolut’’ and “Best Video of the Year’’ for directing the video of Burna Boy’s song; Run My Race.

Tiwa Savage got the “Best Female Artist of the Year’’, while Flavour received the award of the “Best Live Act.’’ Nigerian entertainers won six awards out of the 18 categories available at the event, while South Africa followed with five awards with Mafikizolo winning the “Best Group’’ and “Best Song of the Year’’ as Gangs of Ballet

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle); Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Retired Gen. Martin-Luther Agwai and members of the board, after a meeting at the Presidential Villa yesterday.

airspace.

He, however, said the agency had completed installations of new Solar Runway Lighting Systems at the Lagos and Port Harcourt international airports.

According to him, the installations will further enhance safety of flight operations at all times and in all weather conditions.

The NAMA chief restated that the agency operated the highest standards in air traffic management in realising its vision of becoming one of the leading air navigation service providers in the world.

He applauded the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its professionalism, excellence and transparency.

Abdulasam enjoined all members of NIPR to imbibe and assimilate the code of ethics of the profession as the sustenance of the Nigerian project largely depended on them.

He noted that public relations was an integral aspect of the world economy, as no business could survive without it.

Similarly, the National President of NIPR, Dr Rotimi Oladele, said “there is a visible indicator that the aviation industry is growing but there is need to support the industry to grow through aggressive information management’’.

Oladele said that the future aviation “should be based on information management as business can only thrive on accurate information and that is why public relations cannot be relegated”.

He appealed to NIPR members in the aviation sector to work harder and promote integrity, saying modesty was important for public relations personalities.

“We must build the reputation of Nigeria,’’ Oladele said.

Business + Economy CBN To Support Domestication Of Oil, Gas Resources ABUJAMr Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, has said that the bank would support efforts at domesticating oil and gas resources, to ensure more revenue for the country.

Emefiele made pledge at the maiden news briefing to unveil policy focus of the bank under his leadership in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Emefiele replaced the former governor, Malam Lamido Sanusi, who was suspended from office by the President before the expiration of his tenure.

“Although Nigeria produces

millions of barrels of crude oil per day, the importation of refined petroleum products alone consumes about 35 per cent of our annual import bill.

“The CBN will support efforts at domesticating our oil and gas resources, to ensure that much more of these resources are produced and used in Nigeria.

“This will stimulate inclusive growth, create jobs and reduce the pressure on the exchange rate occasioned by demand for the importation of finished petroleum products.’’

Emefiele said that the initiative would be pursued in collaboration with the Ministry

of Petroleum and Natural Resources.

He added that in trying to support the sector, any initiative proposed must align with the policy intent of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

According to him, the apex bank will contribute to policy development of the upstream investment incentives, incentives for Foreign Direct

Investment (FDI) in the upstream and also support for refineries and pipeline construction.

“To reduce the losses (theft and leakages) in the amount of produced crude that is officially sold, we will support initiatives to secure pipelines and ports.

“Working with the lead ministry, we will look at the investment incentives that encourage local Niger Delta-

based SMEs to play an active role in metering services and pipeline protection technologies.’’

Emefiele said that the bank recognised that there was significant requirement for investment in the upstream sector, especially for the Federal Government-owned component of upstream Joint Ventures.

According to him, the bank will support investments in the

LG To Spend N107.7m On Rural Projects KABBA (KOGI)-The KabbaBunu Local Government Council of Kogi has disbursed N107.7 million Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) intervention funds for the execution of 20 rural development projects in the area.

The Chairman of the council, Mr Emmanuel Funsho, made the disclosure while addressing members of the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who were on assessment tour of SURE-P projects in the area.

Represented by Mr. Sam Obanibi, the Vice Chairman of the council, Funsho said the 20 projects in education, water, transport and health sectors, adding that the council had been transparent in the use of SUREP funds intervention.

He commended the NUJ team for the concern over utilisation of public funds and delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

He said “if there are no checks and balances, many local government councils might decide not to account for the funds allocated to them.’’

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Mr Ali Atabor, who led the team, had urged council chairmen in the country to ensure transparency, honesty and fear of God in

utilising public funds.

He expressed concern over the shoddy execution of jobs in some areas, saying he was disappointed with the renovation of classrooms at St. Mary’s Primary School, Kabba, and a non-functional borehole at Owode.

Also at Iluke-Bunu, where the local government council claimed to have renovated a secondary school’s science laboratory with N2.65 million, the NUJ chairman regretted that only the walls and windows of the one-classroom block were painted.

He lamented that the over N6 million contract for construction of three-classroom blocks at Okebukun-Bunu had remained at foundation level, with 60 per cent of the contract sum already paid.

Atabor also flayed the evacuation and rehabilitation of roads and drains by the council at several millions of naira as they hardly meet required standard.

He reminded the councils that the SURE-P funds were meant to address infrastructural challenges in rural areas.

“We are not on police mission but to ensure accountability and transparency in utilisation of SURE-P funds. You must be sincere, transparent and have the fear of God,” he stressed.

L-R: Assistant Controller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Zone F, Mr. Nurudeen Graham; Commander, 42 Div. Engineering Corps, Brig-Gen. Austin Anyalechi; representative of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Peter Okebukola and Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof.

Dele Layiwola at the conference on leadership and peace in Nigeria in Ibadan yesterday.

sector.

“We will explore how this can be done through international Capital Markets. This will require looking at the current Joint Venture structures and ensuring that our proposals sit alongside the PIB proposals.’’

On support to the health sector, he said that the CBN intended to play a facilitating role by unlocking the potential that exist for the private sector to invest at various points along the healthcare value chain.

The value chain, he said, included hospital services, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, supply chain and financing.

“This window of opportunity has already led the private sector to establish an institutional platform for health known as the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN) with the support of the government.’’

The CBN governor gave an assurance that the bank would explore opportunities for partnering with the institution, to galvanise the private sector into playing a more active role in the health sector.

He added that the bank would maintain keen interest in supporting the development of institutions, create the enabling environment to trigger private sector investment and curb the growing trend of medical tourism.

Power: FG To Develop Coal Fields

ABUJAThe Federal Government would develop coal fields across the country to facilitate electricity generation and industrialisation, Mr. Musa Sada, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, said.

The minister told newsmen that “everybody, including President Goodluck Jonathan, wants us to start producing power from coal.’’

Sada said the Federal Government had introduced the National Integrated Infrastructure Master plan (NIIM) to develop coal fields as part of designed efforts to generate power and fast-track industrialisation.

According to him, the Federal

Government has identified 16 coal blocks across the country, including Enugu, Gombe, Nasarawa, Benue, Delta and Kogi states.

He said the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) were still undertaking exploration work on coal deposits in the country.

He added that “currently, NSRMEA is working on the exploration of coal in Obi in Nasarawa State. We have one of the best quality coal there; the agency has conducted a lot of study around there.’’

Sada said there were two mines

currently producing coal in the country, adding that one was located in Gombe, while the other was in Okopo in Kogi.

The minister explained that the Gombe and Kogi mines usually supplied coal to cement and steel factories to fire their kiln and produce clinker, instead of using gas or electricity.

He said that the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power, had established an interministerial committee to assess people who could use coal to produce power.

The minister said some coal

blocks were currently under the supervision of the Ministry of Power to enable investors to generate coal for power generation.

“Some of the investors have made some recommendations that if the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) can give them the certificate or permit to produce power, the ministry should allocate coal blocks to them.

“There is one Indian company whose permit is currently being processed by NERC and we have already started the process of allocating coal blocks to the company.

Oil Palm: Coy To Start

Production 2016

L-R: Representative of Enugu State Government, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo; Chairperson of the occasion, Chief Lorrietta Aniagolu and President Women for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Mrs. Joy Onyesoh at a women political stakeholders forum by WILPF in Enugu yesterday.

MBARAKOM (CROSS RIVER)-The production of palm oil will begin in the 6,384 hectares Wilmer Calaro Oil Palm Estate in Mbarakom, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River in 2016.

The Senior Estate Manager of the plantation, Mr Henry Dusmin, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in the Oil Palm Estate, Mbarakom.

Dusmin told newsmen that the planting of new improved highyielding specie of palm tree seedlings had started since 2012 with the cultivation of 125 hectares.

It was learnt that the estate was inaugurated in 1954 as Calaro Oil Palm Estate on a 6,384 hectares of land acquired from Mbarakom Community in Akamkpa Local Government.

Over the years, only 5,394 hectares were cultivated with palm trees under the state

government until 2011 when the company was sold to Wilmer International of Malaysia.

The Malaysian company is expected to manage the estate for 25 years before the management contract can be renewed afterwards.

Dusmin said the company now could only develop 1,755 hectares, while 1,400 hectares were being cultivated with palm trees.

“In the first planting sometimes in 2012, we planted 125 hectares.

We expect it to produce in three years,” he said.

The manger recalled that palm tree seedlings were taken from Cross River in 1950 to Malaysia and now brought back to grow the state economy.

He said that no fewer than 740 young people from Cross River and its environs had so far been engaged to manage the palm plantation, while the main staff of the company were 40.

...Intellectual Thugs & Media Specialists Continued from pg back page

people who have not forgotten those who looted Edo treasury until Oshiomhole came on board.

On the issue of prudence and focus, Oshiomhole is certainly an exemplar.

From the ground zero the Comrade Governor met Edo in November 2008 after the nine-year rape by PDP, the people’s governor has since changed the narrative. Perhaps, we only need to look at a few indicators. With the little he received from Abuja, Oshiomhole has built over 1,000 kilometres of road, rebuilt hundreds of public schools, given water to the thirsty and brought medicare to the poor in the remotest villages.

It is very cheap to seek to confuse the debate over the rehabilitation of public schools in Edo. It is public knowledge that SUPEB involves counter-funding.

Being a sensible man, Oshiomhole surely realized way back in 2008 the stupidity in failing to provide your own share, thus forfeiting FG’s. But that commonsense was not so common before the Comrade Governor assumed office, as successive PDP administrations had stupidly left FG’s contribution idle in the bank. So, the question Omoregie failed to answer is why his paymasters hated the Edo child so much that they looted the treasury bare to the extent that there was nothing left to match the FG’s grant.

So, why begrudge Oshiomhole for being sensible enough to match FG’s grant and use the receipt judiciously in fixing public schools for the Edo child.

Today, in the SouthSouth zone, Edo is the least earner in terms of federal allocation. But through prudent management, Oshiomhole has been able to make every kobo count for Edo people. Thank God, even Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently unveiled ten biggest earners in the country. Edo never featured in that exclusive club. Four states controlled by PDP in the region featured among the

first five. Yet, unbiased assessors today are agreed that Edo has more on the ground to show for the pittance it has received. So much that even reputable world bodies like the World Bank have since resolved to support the O s h i o m h o l e administration with either grants or soft loans to improve the human condition in Edo State.

Lastly, it is disingenuous for Omoregie to claim that the ‘political Almajiris’ like Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Abubakar Momoh, Tony Omoaghe and others left

incumbent senator, Domingo Obende, is of Akoko Edo stock. The incumbent SSG, the cerebral Professor Julius Ihonvbere, has also indicated interest in the ticket. But being a man of equity, Oshiomhole insists there must be a levelplaying field for all aspirants.

In-between his litany of comical lies, the impression Omoregie created was that Oshiomhole’s cabinet had almost emptied on account of ‘big men’ who resigned. Nothing could

City. A couple of guys who resigned were either moles or political slaves who decided to follow their master. In real terms, they added no value to the administration. As for Omoaghe, he wanted the governor to anoint him as the new state chairman of APC. But Oshiomhole said the contest must be thrown open to all.

But Omoaghe was afraid of defeat. Soon, he bolted out of the window. Again, it is quite instructive that while Omoaghe has since been nudging people to desert Oshiomhole, he is yet to

Edo State APC Chairman, Anslem Ojezua Edo APC on account of the undemocratic temper of the governor. Nothing could be more fallacious.

The truth is that his paymasters left because of greed and inordinate ambition. Momoh, who is currently representing Etsakor at the House of Reps, is Etsakor like the governor. Even though his constituents are agreed that he has largely been a dozing bench-warmer at the House of Reps since 2011, he now wants to be ‘promoted’ to the senate.

Whipping clan sentiments, he wants the governor to impose him on the Edo North Senatorial Zone as APC candidate. The

be further from the truth. At the last check, all the men and women who matter in the Oshiomhole administration were still at their various desks in Benin

inform his two daughters appointed Special Assistants to the Governor last year to also resign.

Indeed, when the going was good, he was asked

to nominate two people from Esan land to fill the posts. But he chose to bring only his biological kids. Such greed and perfidy.

As for Ize-Iyamu, the Secretary to the State Government in the Lucky Igbinedion administration, it is all about his naked desperation to realize a governorship ambition that is more than ten years old.

He had refused entreaties to have consensus candidates for the party offices at the ward and council levels. Like the Shakespearean Macbeth, he was blinded by ambition.

His cold calculation: seize the party structure from the ward to the state level and use same as a springboard to the governorship ticket come 2016 and resume the debauchery halted abruptly in 2008.

Like a typical charlatan, he boasted on the election eve that his candidates would sweep the stakes.

But on the D-Day, his candidates were beaten hands down. Only then did he start to accuse the Comrade Governor of being ‘undemocratic’ and calling his benefactors unprintable names.

Anyone familiar with Edo political history will readily recall that this was the exact scenario that had played out exactly ten years ago when overambitious Ize-Iyamu, then SSG, began to nurse the illusion that he could succeed Lucky Igbinedion come 2007. But once he saw signs he was headed for a dead-end, he teamed up with others similarly disgruntled under the canopy of ‘Grace Group’ and began to abuse Chief Tony Anenih with the slogan ‘No Man Is God’.

Anyone in doubt should read the interview granted

last month by Lucky Igbinedion widely published by the Nigerian media to mark his 57th birthday. In the May 13 edition of the Vanguard, the former governor clearly stated that the warm relationship he had enjoyed with Anenih was strained by some saboteurs within his administration. He said it was his dream all along to hand over to an Esan man in consonance with a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ but the ‘enemies within’ soon set the proverbial cat among pigeons.

Hear him on page 40 of that edition of Vanguard: ‘We said after eight years of a Bini man, an Esan man should be governor. I stood firmly on that ground.

But some people in government, unknown to me, had different ideas.

They started causing factionalisation within the party. People started calling some unholy names… These are people who had governorship ambition.’

Poor Igbinedion. He had trusted Ize-Iyamu too much and empowered him such that he soon morphed into the de facto governor because Igbinedion was not around most of the time; only for the SSG to stab him in the back like Judas.

As a political hustler, one can appreciate Omoregie’s plight and the need to survive. But he ought to realize that hunger is not enough reason to swallow poison nor a justification to sip contaminated water from an open septic pit.

Defiance has dire consequences. He is far too discredited to offer an honest analysis on the Edo APC debacle.

Nosakhare, a doctoral student of the Ambrose Alli University, wrote from Ekpoma, Edo State.

(Culled from the GUARDIAN on Sunday, June 8, 2014)

“Lastly, it is disingenuous for Omoregie to claim that the ‘political Almajiris’ like Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Abubakar Momoh, Tony Omoaghe and others left Edo APC on account of the undemocratic temper of the governor. Nothing could be more fallacious. The truth is that his paymasters left because of greed and inordinate ambition.

Momoh, who is currently representing Etsakor at the House of Reps, is Etsakor like the governor. Even though his constituents are agreed that he has largely been a dozing bench-warmer at the House of Reps since 2011, he now wants to be ‘promoted’ to the senate.”

AS global outrage continues to pour at Boko Haram’s abduction of more than 200 school girls, all students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER notes with sadness that almost three months have gone by since the innocent girls were abducted.

SADLY, in place of their freedom, the dreaded Islamic Sect has hinged swapping of their Boko Haram members in various prisons and detention camps across the country.

THE sect leader, Abubakar Shekau, recently released a video recording showing more than 100 of the girls together in a rural setting in which he offered to exchange them for captured Boko Haram adherents in various prisons across the country. The video clips, if anything, raised the hopes that the location could be found using a combination of ground forces, state-of-the-art intelligence and surveillance planes.

FOR the avoidance of doubt, The NIGERIAN OBSERVER is vehemently opposed to Boko Haram’s proposal to the federal government to swap detained insurgents for the more than 200 school girls abducted by the terror group in Borno State for a number of reasons.

FIRST, besides the protests by groups across the globe expressing condemnations at Boko Haram’s action, there is already an international team in place to rescue the abducted girls. The United States, Britain, France, China and Israel as well as Nigeria’s immediate neighbours, Chad, Cameroun and others

THE NIGERIAN

Swapping Boko Haram Prisoners For Chibok Girls have joined in the hunt for the girls. It will be fool-hardy not to allow this team exhaustively carry out its rescue operation than accept the Boko Haram proposal.

SECONDLY, it is senseless and thoroughly wrong for the federal Government to condescend to exchanging criminals for abducted girls. It will be a bad precedence and a notorious reference point in future should the federal government start to negotiate with these faceless terrorists along the lines of their proposals. The NIGERIAN OBSERVER considers it a very wrong step to take. The government should never trade the girls but face the terrorists squarely. They are criminals and should be treated as such.

IT is our considered view that the government should use all resources at its disposal, national and international to crush Boko Haram. The more reason why the government should do so is the fact that some people have become unnecessarily sentimental, speaking from both sides of their mouth, especially northern Elders

whose remarks and language betrayed support for the notorious Sect. They are a disappointing lot.

ANOTHER reason the government should not swap Boko Haram criminals for our Chibok girls is the fact that government would have sanctioned illegality and compromised the essence of leadership and rulership. If the government dares it, it would have provided a new platform for Boko Haram and other terror groups to commit more heinous crimes and then, turn around to ask for this manner of swapping which to us is quite unthinkable.

Indeed, it would amount to the federal government negotiating from the position of fear, weakness and intimidation, with all the available international and global support.

YET another reason the federal government should not swap Boko Haram prisoners for our abducted innocent Chibok girls is that the students are innocent persons who should not be exchanged for the Boko Haram criminal murderers. This is why it will be morally wrong to do so, because it would amount to equating the girls with criminals.

LASTLY, what is the clear agenda of the Boko Haram Sect? What are they actually fighting for? Other than cause the reign of terror through sponsorship of religious extremists and political pugilists who have failed to gain certain positions in government? They are criminals and their sponsors are enemies of the Nigerian State; pure and simple, and should be treated as such.

From New Deal To Cutting Edge Next Level With

ACCORDING to a popular maxim, “change is the only constant and inevitable phenomenon in life”. It is a constant reality that cannot be modified nor altered by any variable whatsoever; an omnipotent force that is not subject to any other superintending force; a universal force that is not limited by time or space.

The Business Dictionary (tionary.com”www.businessdictionary.com) defines change as the processes of making things different. People can cause change, or can bring it upon themselves. Thus, change, despite being a natural occurrence, can be activated, controlled and determined by the actions - or inactions - of men (emphasis added).

Change is necessary for humanity to progress. In fact, any society that stops growing or changing inevitably withers away. For instance, the ultimate fall of the mighty Roman Empire was attributed to the lull that restricted its further growth after several decades of exercising unfettered hegemony over the affairs of the then known world. Thus, no matter how developed, rich and powerful a country is, it cannot afford to stop evolving. The world’s most powerful nations achieved their hallowed Olympian statuses through continuous development; that is, they evolved over time, passing from one epoch to another.

The evolution of the human political societies has being marked by shifts and turns in relations between the leaders and the led; a ceaseless and creaseless continuum that has definedthe progress of human societies. From primitive stateless societies without defined codes of conduct – states of nature in political parlance - we now have organized political systems that are constructed on the rule of law. From political arrangements in which people were bound by some traditional codes that subjected them to the whims and caprices of a few, we now have societies that are run by the consent of the majority.

Despite the natural tendencies of man to dominate his fellow man to his injury, the larger members of the human family are now more predisposed towards participatory democracy.

However, despite the inevitability of change, most people resent it; individuals who prefer that things remain the way they are; status quo maintainers who are averse to alterations in the traditional order in things. These characters fight change because of the benefit from the

subsisting arrangement. They see change as an evil wind which will blow them no good, if allowed to take place. Thus, they fight it with all their heart and might.

Most of the great political upheavals the world has experienced had their enemies. From the American Revolution of 1776, the French Revolution of 1789, the Protestant Reformation of 1517, to other landmark events that have defined the course of global history, bulwarks have always been set up by opponents of change to twat it.

This lyrical excursion on the dynamics of change was necessitated by the dramatic intrigues that have defined Edo politics since the onset of the current democratic order. That“ the Heartbeat of Nigeria”, has been hit by the winnowing force of change is a fact that cannot be overemphasized. Since 2008, when the mighty currents of transformation upturned the former undemocratic order and replaced it with a peoplecenter arrangement, Edo politics has never been the same again. Thanks to the enemies of democracy, who are averse to the new path of development and growth being charted by the forces of good, the political terrain has been turned into a battleground of sorts.

Every objective citizen of Edo State will agree, without much ado, that the attacks being fired at the subsisting administration of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole are uncalled for; unnecessary distractions that cannot impede the fast rolling wheel of change that is fast turning around the fortunes of the good people of Edo State.

They are nothing but the concoctions of sick minds with nothing better to do; inventions of empty-headed incarnate of stupidity whose expectations are fast receding; creations of Mountain Trolls with warped imaginations.

One wonders what these pharaohs a looking for in Canaan land. Why do these shameless, narcissistic and egotistical Nebuchadnezzar’s want? Why do they rage so hard against the progressive currents of the times? Why do they imagine vain things against Edo State, its people and the arrowheads of the ongoing change? Why do they prefer chaos to peace in the state? How come they never see anything good in Oshiomhole and his formidable team of Musketeers? Why all the evil

schemes and designs against Edos and the champions of progress? Do they care more about the state than its own people? Lots of pertinent questions beg for answers.

The gang up against the incumbent administration will not stand because Edos are wiser today than they were yesterday. They know better than to join forces with their professed enemies. They can no longer be fooled by the hollow acts and words of the political charlatans masquerading as holy apostles of moral correctness; can no longer be bewildered by the blasphemous doctrines of puppeteers whose hobby is foolery. No, they know better than to fall for the same old tricks again!

Obuseh Jude GSM: 08033510173

Courtesy WHO

talking about. (I refer my readers to my several publications on the current administration, in both regular and social media, to read up my views on the Oshiomholeled government).

What is the opposition really yammering about?

What are they really opposing? Are they saying Edo State has remained the same since 2008? Are they saying the roads are not better than they were before Oshiomhole came on board?

empty shells suffering from illusions of grandeur; spent forces without substance; political Hotentots and Zulu Kafirs.

But whether these elements like it or not, change has come to Edo State, and nothing can prevent this Tsunami from fully carrying out its cleansing exercise. Yesterday, today’s miracles where just like empty dreams; dreams that have been turned into concrete realities by divine oracular fiat. There was a time

Are they saying the rural areas are as backward and underdeveloped as they were before the coming of the present era? Are they saying the crime rate is higher today than it was prior to 2008? Are they saying the health system is poorer than it was some years ago? Are they saying the civil service is as lethargic as it was during the dark ages of modern times? What are they really saying? Somebody talk to me!

The people who resist change are those who do not want to change themselves.

That is how it has always been, since the onset of human civilization. Once a group of people become used to a particular way of doing things, they become absorbed and set in their ways. The characters parading themselves as members of the opposition in Edo State are nothing but scallywags; unrepentant demagogues whose past misdeeds are presently hunting them;

when Edos dreamt of better lives for all; a time when the good live was a mere fantasy; a time when poverty and lack were accepted with without any form of protests; a time when people accepted their miserable stations as divinely ordained; a period when the fear of tomorrow hunted most Edos like a phantom: from Igbanke to Igueben, Ekpon to Uromi, Ekpoma to Auchi, Benin to Abudu, from one end of the state to the other, this lonely sonata sounded the same.

This seems to be the only state in Nigeria where some persons prefer living in denial than accepting that things are getting better; a state where people will see black and call it blue. With our very eyes we have watched the unfolding of some of the greatest miracles of the twenty-first century, but have chosen to keep our hearts hardened. I know - without any trace of doubt in my mind - that the time will come in the foreseeable future when

A political rally

Before the onset of the new order, the political history of Edo State was nothing to write home. It was full of heartbreaking events signifying nonsense; a litany of woes and mishaps; a pout pouri of confusion; a sad saga that was akin to a funeral dirge; tales of a gilded age when everything was in shambles; accounts of an era when a few oligarchs ran rough shod over the common will; a period of massive political – power failure; a time when the state slowly lost its capacities to be called a state; a time when a political machine ran the state ragged without recourse to any known laws; a time when poverty threatened to snuff out the lives of the common man on the streets; a period when all was falling to pieces – a chaotic, anarchic and confused state of being. Any participant observer of the macabre dance of death in the state during the period in retrospect knows what I am

people will look back to this age with nostalgia and say, “the government of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is the best thing that ever happened to us”. Quote me when that day comes!

I want to point out that every revolution – peaceful or violent – has its costs; sacrifices that the people must make. Nothing good comes easy. To take, one must give something in return. This administration has done all within its powers - to the best of my knowledge - to make things work in Edo State, despite all the stumbling blocks that have been thrown its way. Against all the evil machinations of the dark forces in the state, it has forged on unperturbed, achieving feats that were once thought impossible. Despite the scarcity of resources to meet all the needs of the people, it has gone to full lengths to ensuring that Edo State breathes again. All these it has done with the tacit support of the majority – both silent and vocal.

Governance is a continuum.

Thus, in whatever area this administration has not performed to the expectations or satisfaction of some people, such persons should wait for the next administration to continue from where Oshiomhole ultimately stops.

That is what obtains in other democratic climes. The people of Edo State have been very cooperative and patient with this administration. They have stood beside it in good times and bad times. They are expected to continue in the same light as there is much more in store for them. With your support, this government will successfully complete what it started in 2008, when you first gave it your unalloyed mandate – which was renewed in 2012 - to administer your affairs.

In the same way yesterday’s dreams have become today’s reality, this administration is certainly taking Edo State to the next level, God willing.

God bless Edo State and its beautiful people!

MR OBUSEH JUDE, A SOCIAL COMMENTATOR, WRITES FROM BENIN CITY

Nutritional Health And Dietetics

With

O.C. What You Should Know About Hypertension (HBP) Madu HIGH Blood Pressure Hypertension is the condition in which the blood pressure increases above the specified level of 120/80 mmHg. The 120 refers to the systolic blood pressure or the pressure when the heart is actively contracting, the 80 is the diastolic blood pressure or the pressure when the heart is released in between contractions (Kulvinskas Vilctoras).

As any doctor will tell you, an increase in the diastolic blood pressure is often more worrisome because, it indicates the heart is not getting the rest it needs between contractions in turn.

This can begin to interfere with the hearts ability to pump at a normal rate leading to other cardiac problems, several herbs have been used in traditional medicine to treat hypertension. This will be presented on demand or request hypertension as a common condition that will catch up with most people who live into old age. Blood pressure according to scientists is the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries. When its too high, it raises the heart’s work load and causes the heart to exert more pressure to pump the blood.

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure and it is dangerous because, it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atheroselerosis chardering of arteries besides increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke it can also lead to other conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease and blindness.

Conventional antihypertensives are usually associated with many side effects. About 75 per-cent to 80 per-cent of the world population use herbal

medicines mainly in developing countries, for primary health care because of their better acceptability with human body and lesser side effects.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is classified as either primary essential or secondary. About 90 to 95 percent of cases are termed primary hypertension which no medical cause can be found. The remaining 5 to 10 per-cent of cases called secondary hypertension are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system.

Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure.

Simon Paul asserted that moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy.

Both dietary and lifestyle changes as well as medicines are essential.

Causes Essential hypertension is the most prevalent type of hypertension affecting 90 to 95 per-cent of hypertensive patients. Although no direct cause has identified itself.

There are many factors such as sedentary life style, stress visceral, obesity, potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) obesity, more than 85 per-cent of cases occur in those with a body mass index greater than 25, salt (sodium) sensitivity alcohol intake and vitamin deficiency that increase the risk of developing hypertension.

Risk also, increases with aging, same inherited genetic mutation and having a family

GSM: 08056379608

history of hypertension.

Insulin resistance which is a component of syndrome x or the metabolic syndrome to hypertension. Consuming foods that contain high fructose -corn syrup and saturated fat may increase one’s risk of developing hypertension.

Secondary hypertension Secondary hypertension by

by cushing’s syndrome, which is a condition where the adrenal glands over produce the hormone cortisol and also, other conditions that cause hormonal changes, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and adrenal gland cancer.

Other causes of secondary hypertension include kidney

definition results from an identifiable causes. This type is important to recognise since it is treated differently than essential hypertension by treating the underlying cause of the elevated blood pressure.

Hypertension of the pathophysiological mechanism such as hormone – regulation endocrine system that regulate blood plasma volume and heart function (Jackson Mildred).

Many conditions are caused

disease, obesity/metabolic disorder, pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, the congenital defect known as coarctation of the aorta and certain prescription and illegal drugs.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, a systolic pressure – the top number of 140 or above or a diastolic pressure – the bottom number of 90 or above you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.

“Life style plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you control your blood pressure with a healthy life style, you may avoid delay or reduce the need for medication.”

Life style plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you control your blood pressure with a healthy life style, you may avoid delay or reduce the need for medication.

Symptoms Headache, fatigue,

dizziness, restlessness, nose bleeding. Serious effect of hypertension is not the level of pressure, but its effects on such organs as the heart, the brain, the eye, and the kidney.

The higher the pressure, the greater the damage is likely to be. The higher the pressure, the harder the heart must work. This extra work makes the muscle fibres of the heart thick and strong.

The elevated pressure produces changes in the coronary arteries. They tend to become partially blocked in certain areas. This cut down the blood to the heart which is doing more than it can. This results in the pains of angina pectoris at times, to heart attack.

Life style changes Some life style changes you can and lower your blood

pressure and keep it down.

These are: Lose extra weight and watch your waist line. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing just 10 rounds (4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your blood pressure. The more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure.

Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity at least 30 or 60 mins a day can lower your blood pressure.

Eat a healthy diet. Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low – fat dairy products and skip on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mmHg. This eating plan is known as the. Dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet.

It is not easy to change your eating habits but therapeutic diet is a must to guide and lower or correct your hypertension.

Potassium can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best sources of potassium are foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Reducing sodium in your diet. Even a small reduction in sodium in your diet can reduce your blood pressure.

Use herbs or spices rather than salt.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure. But the protective we effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol.

Herbal approach Garlic helps to lower blood pressure by keeping the arteries clear of cholesterol and potential plaques that build up. It also, decreases blood clotting and widens the arteries.

Passion flower, valerian, lime flower and lemon palm have sedative properties. So, if your blood pressure condition is thought to be connected with stress and anxiety, tranquilizing herbs can lend a hand without side effects.

Interview

Our System Of Govt Encourages Sir Peter Oseghale Edeoghon is a Knight of St. Christopher (KSC), Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

The humble and devout Christian recently clocked 70 years.

He spoke to The Nigerian Observer through Clifford Agbajor on a number of issues, ranging from the rebasing of the nation’s economy to life at 70. where they have lost the Excerpts: railway, we lost our railway The recent rebasing of the for many years, I went to nation’s economy shows Angola after the civil war of that it is worth over 500 that country, the railway line billion dollars, and the from Luanda to Benguela, largest economy in Africa, which is one of the industrial over-taking that of South cities outside the nation’s Africa. capital, the rail-line was Sir, what is your working. assessment of the rebasing? It is only in the last few years Nigeria is a larger country, our rail line is being revived Nigeria has more natural by the president (Jonathan), resources than South Africa and it is not easy. untapped, and if you take Look at PHCN, when I see those potentials into the resentment of the people, consideration and the fact that not appreciating what is going the Goodluck Jonathan on, I don’t blame the administration has been trying distribution companies, to identify these potentials as because they are retailing factors that can be used as power based on what is pillars for pushing the generated and transmitted, the economy, naturally it would generation and transmission come out like that, it behoves are not working, they are not on the government to follow- responsible for that, all they up on what has brought out do is that once power is these figures and bring them generated and they help to to actualization, because it is sell, maybe in the future some not just seeing our potentials of them maybe big enough to that is the issue, but making say let us do backward them to work for us. If your integration, to go and talk of resources are performing, transmission, but certainly your performance transmission is a very big will rise. infrastructure, that is why Nigeria has all it takes to be federal government is saying rated very high. Japan for let’s partner with people from instance, they don’t have the advanced nations where their two most important inputs in technology is matured so that the making of cars, but they they can do something that is make the best cars, they productive. invested in the human beings, Let us wake up the economy, they don’t have iron and and create those things that petroleum, but they have their will make the economy very brains, that is what is lacking buoyant. in this country, and when we The rebasing is not faulty, it have the brains, we don’t is asking us to wake up, let utilise them, we don’t do Nigeria see those potentials things on merit, these things and work towards it and of are there for us to exploit. course you need political Nobody is talking of stability to do that, we need exporting coal now, because infrastructure to bring back oil is there. Cocoa was the some industries that have main stay of the Western even gone to Ghana to Region Economy when we produce what they now sell in were part of the western Nigeria. region. Cocoa House in One major problem people Ibadan was built from taxes have with the rebasing is from cocoa. that it is not reflecting on the I want to commend common man?

Goodluck Jonathan for his Because government is the transformation agenda, but main stay of the economy you should also understand today, things don’t tricklethat if there are not translating down easily, that is the into immediate results, don’t problem. blame him because most of Look at local government, the things he is dealing with the funds they get, how much are things that have been bad is it reflecting on the people in the last thirty years. living there?

Obasanjo came back after The problem with the nation about twenty years to discover which people should be that the things he left behind warned about is that, don’t let in good condition were in everybody depend on worse state; Goodluck government to survive, let the Jonathan is trying to revive small scale industry spring up, them. Look at the railway. I let the people take the have never seen a country initiative and depend less on

States To Be Lazy government, and let government be smaller in terms of scope and administration.

You can see at the National Conference, the issue of fiscal federalism is on the front burner now. What we are operating now is a system that encourages laziness of all the states put together, everybody want to wait for Abuja to bring money; no! make money in your own state.

threats to the survival of the confab, people who believe that power belong to them in this country, from their utterances from time to time, you wonder whether they will get any head-way, I pray that God will touch their hearts for rational thinking in bringing to pass what we believe is good for us.

I sometimes think about what the youths are saying, that people who have been

I am happy that I have staff that are understanding. I thank God that I still walk on my feet, I still go to work every morning, one should give God the glory. When we were growing up, a 60-year-old man was very old, but now, one has clocked 70 years, lets thank God for improved standard of living, if you can afford it take care of yourself, also you rid yourself of things you know are not pleasant for

running the system since we became independent, people who are great-grand fathers are still there, let us hope they will listen to each other, because whatever we are doing now, we are not doing it for people who are 80 years and above, those ones should be at home, the people who will benefit from it are the upcoming generation.

Lets hope that the leadership of this country will manage this process, I will be so sad if it gets to a point where people will say no, we are no more interested in this matter, there is nothing for us here!

Sir, you recently clocked 70 years! How do you feel?

You feel there is need for one to regulate his time more than before, have sufficient rest time. I am very active at work, if I were a civil servant. I would have long retired, but I am in the private sector managing a company that must stand on it’s feet.

you, things that are not right before God forget about them, that is the way to age gracefully, whatever is not right before God stay away from them, because they are ingredients of pre-mature death.

If you are a Muslim, be a good Muslim, if you are a Christian be a good Christian, because we all have the law of nature we must respect.

You were once the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) National President.

What are some of the qualities you think anyone aspiring to lead should have?

At NIM we always say that we are symbol of management excellence, we preach transparency, accountability, efficiency, honesty; we even have a code of conduct.

A leader must have curiosity, it is the idea of listening to not only your “yes men” but also

Sir Peter Oseghale Edeoghon

Lets hope that foreign investors will come, partner at the local level, do big farms at the local level, produce what you want to produce at the local level, turn them to industrial raw materials and export. The system should wake up to that reality. We cannot develop this country if we depend-on allocation from the federal always.

Do you believe in the ongoing National Conference?

Ideally yes! We know Obasanjo tried it during his time, and when he didn’t get what he wanted, he disbanded it.

Goodluck Jonathan has said he has no personal agenda for himself, all he wants is for Nigerians to come together and choose the best way for us to go, and he would be bound by their decision, I don’t think Goodluck Jonathan is somebody who would renege on that. So to that extent I believe in him, again there are too many

-Edeoghon

people you think do not support you, they don’t hate you, they may not agree with you, but it is good for you to listen to them, you might have something to gain.

Secondly, you must have courage. It is not bravado! It is the ability to win the opposing side to your side by engaging the person in a dialogue.

You must have common sense. Common sense is not common! You must have personal conviction, be competent. You must be competent in the field where you are operating. The attributes of a leader must be seen when there is crisis, a leader must be selfless.

During my time as NIM President, I reached out to members, I started going round the country. Before my time, you will invite the branches to Lagos, but I said no, let me meet the people at their own bases. The first place I went was North West, from there I went SouthSouth, I went to South East, North East, North Central and South West, and the result of that was that the first Annual Conference, I had turned out to be the one that had the largest attendance in the history of the institute, over two thousand (2,000) delegates attended.

In addition, there is the NIM/ NYSC partnership where corpers are given management and entrepreneurial training during their service, and inducted as graduate members of NIM. Some of them go into self employment ventures and become employers.

At 70, what is your advice to Nigerians on the way forward?

Those things that made the world appreciate our greatness, we should make sure we resuscitate them, simple! You cannot carry anything from here to heaven, nobody can carry one kobo to heaven when you die. All you can do is to be selfless, promote other people, help out here and there.

This world will be a better place, if we stretch our hands of fellowship, hands of support to the less privileged, then the nation will grow. If there is goodwill in this country, it will move forward, we have the blessing of God surrounding us. We must also have a productive population, today I am what I am because I struggled, there must be dignity in labour.

Perspective

SOME PROBLEMS IN ELECTION REPORTING THE media and democracy are intrinsically linked - but in societies that are evolving from authoritarian systems into democratic ones, this relationship can be problematic This is particularly true at election times, when politicians often fail to distinguish between opponents of the government’ and ‘enemies of the state’. Thus a wide variety of pressures can, and are, applied to journalists during elections. These pressures can make free and fair reporting difficult, and sometimes almost impossible.

Pressure from Politicians and their Supporters Journalists’ efforts to report elections fairly can be compromised by the efforts of politicians and their supporters to influence what is reported, Dealing with politicians’ attempts to gain favourable media coverage has been covered at length earlier in this chapter that sort of pressure is, in general, legitimate. However, politicians and their supporters have also been known to use Less legitimate methods as well.

All politicians want to win the elections they are fighting otherwise what is the point? But, sometimes they allow their enthusiasm for victory to outweigh their commitment to the democratic system. They may bring all sorts of pressures to bear on editors and owners of media organisations, in order to maximise the positive coverage and minimise the negative. These pressures can include: · outright physical intimidation · legal threats · withdrawing advertising and · refusing cooperation in a whole range of other ways.

In turn, this can lead owners and editors of radio stations to pressurise journalists. In addition, journalists face direct pressure from politicians, their advisers and supporters. This pressure can be of two sorts: positive inducements to provide good coverage, which include offering to provide food, transport, presents and cash; and negative pressure, including threats, harassment and physical violence. Physical attacks can also come from other sources, including party activists, mobs, police and the military.

Obstruction by Officials Journalists can find their ability to cover elections impeded by election officials. These officials, whose function is to ensure that the ballot is carried out freely and fairly, should see the media as key partners in the exercise of their duties. Alas, this is not always the case and election officials, particularly those coming from a civil service background, often see the media as a necessary evil to be avoided, rather than an important ally in the democratic process.

Achieving Balance - Being Fair Even when journalists are not being intimidated or obstructed, achieving balance during an election campaign can be problematic.

This can be due to a number of factors. First, there is the reporter’s own personal political bias. Journalists are, or should be, interested in the world around them.

Hence, most of them have their own political views. It is important that a journalist recognises what these are, and even discusses them openly with colleagues. By doing this he or she can then see, and check, that their reporting is not being influenced by their own views.

Another cause of tack of balance comes about because some politicians and parties are better at communicating with the media than others. Hence, they can get more coverage. Thus it is important that journalists try and make contact with all politicians and parties - especially those that are media-shy.

Finally, there is the difficult question of balancing coverage between those candidates and parties that have a serious chance of gaining power and those who are running without any real hope of winning. These are difficult decisions that need to be discussed with colleagues and editors, and are frequently subject to rules about how the media should cover elections (see Section 2).

Complaints of lack of balanced coverage by the media, particularly publicly owned media, were rife in the general elections of 2003 and 2007. In fact, on January 28, 2003, ahead of the April elections that year, newly registered political parties protested in Abuja claiming that there was an alleged blackout of their activities by the Federal Government controlled radio and television stations.

They also complained of exorbitant fees charged by the FRCN and NTA to cover their conventions.

However, this lack of balance was not peculiar to the media controlled by the Federal Government or the P1W-controlled governments alone, but was also evident in virtually all the states notwithstanding which party was in control. As a rule, opposition candidates found it very difficult to gain coverage on any state

Media Integrity: Problems

media, whilst at the same time those same •media virtually continuously sang the praises of the incumbent governors around the clock.

A public media monitoring exercise conducted by Media Rights Agenda in 2007 in the nine weeks running up to May 31, 2007, showed that out of the 50 registered political parties, only 22 were reported at all during the entire period on Radio Nigeria, monitored in Lagos. Of the 22, 13 of the parties were reported just once each during the entire period. A majority of the political parties (28 parties or 56 per cent of all the registered political parties) were not mentioned at all. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was reported a total of 66 times, while its closest rival, the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) was reported 20 times. The PDP atone accounted for 44 per cent of the total reports on Nigerians 50 political parties.

During the same period, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA 2 Channel 5), monitored in Lagos, reported the activities of 24 political parties (48 per cent of all registered political parties) while 26 other parties (52 per cent) were never mentioned at all in any of the stations news or feature programmes. Of the 24 parties that were reported, 12 were reported only once throughout the period covered by the monitoring exercise. Again, the disparity in the coverage of the political parties was heavily weighted in favour of the PDP, which was reported 43 times during the period.

Ultimately, election coverage, like all other reporting, is about fairness. Its a difficult concept to define but it is a more useful criterion for journalistic excellence than objectivity, neutrality or Lack of bias. This is because these latter three all contain the implication that they exist in some attainable form. Unfortunately they don’t - they are as subjective as the notion of fairness. But the term “fairness” is one that requires the journalist to ask of him or herself: “Have I been as fair as I possibly can to all sides?”

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we know we have not. This happens to all reporters. Good journalists use this predicament to improve their reporting and to maximise the possibility that he next time such a situation is encountered, the reporting will be fairer.

Costs and logistics Covering elections can be time-consuming and expensive.

Distances can be great, travel costs high and overnight stays expensive. All these factors make on-the-spot reporting problematic. This situation can Lead to journalists accepting offers of transport, or money to cover transport.

This creates three problems: first, an expectation on the part of the politicians that this payment will result in favourable coverage; second, it puts pressure on the reporter to report the politician sympathetically; and third, it can create problems if members of the public see their reporter arriving in a particular candidates transport.

Personal safety and ethical conduct The general issue of personal safety whilst covering elections in potentially hostile environments, can be summarised by three key rules • No story is worth the risk of in jury or worse.

• Take local advice -stay close to Local reporters.

• Always let your office know your timetable and movements (and make sure that your mobile phone has credit and a charged battery).

In seeking to provide fair coverage, enlist the audience – coverage that is Lively but balanced is Likely to attract a bigger audience (and hence more advertising revenue) than coverage that is slanted and, as a result, dull. Other reporters are competitors but they are also your colleagues. Journalists can help each other in election campaigns. At an event, see if you can agree that you wilt alt report a balanced story rather than a one-sided version. In that way, you can try to persuade your news editor that running a slanted story will make the media outlet appear of poorer quality than its competitors.

Bullies hate the Light. If you are being threatened, then try and expose who is doing it, either through your own media outlet or by getting colleagues to report on the bullying. But to reiterate, personal safety is paramount. Journalists are poorly paid. Many political parties, government bodies, NGOs and businesses take advantage of this. It is important to recognise that they are trying to “buy” favourable coverage. Don’t let this happen. Always seek to maintain the highest personal and professional ethics and standards

“Covering elections can be time-consuming and expensive. Distances can be great, travel costs high and overnight stays expensive. All these factors make on-the-spot reporting problematic. This situation can Lead to journalists accepting offers of transport, or money to cover transport.”

John Lawrence, training editor of ‘The Nation’ in Kenya has come up with these ten useful tips for reporting elections: 1. Report events exactly as they happen - and not as you would like them to happen.

2. Give equal prominence to alt the major candidates. This means attending an equal number of candidates meetings.

3. Be careful not to colour your reports with inflammatory language.

4. Report what candidates say and not what interested parties say candidates said.

5. Be careful not to be seen to be taking sides in political arguments.

6. Do not (in any circumstances whatsoever) accept any inducement from a candidate or his/her supporters. Do not even take a ride in a politician’s car.

7. Do not promise any politician (or anyone else for that matter) that a report or story wilt appear in the paper.

8. Report what you see without exaggeration.

9. Do not use extravagant language in describing crowd scenes.

10, Exercise fair play. If a candidate makes an accusation against his opponent, ask that opponent for a comment,

• “Ci of their admini how to ADD A gre reportin edguid Othe frontie Interna Intr The l are con 2010; t and the Thes obligat and po contain “The

DETECTING ELECTION IRREGULARITIES The International Federation of Journalists identifies the degree of fairness and transparency as one of the major issues in any election. Even when the poll is being monitored by representatives of political parties, local NGOs or international observation teams, journalists should attempt to determine for themselves the degree to which any polling problems are affecting the quality of the electoral process.

The guidelines produced for election workers and monitors by the American National Democratic Institute (NDI), are a useful monitoring tool for journalists. NDI advises its teams to try to observe, research and record the severity, frequency and pattern of any of the following issues with an assessment of the number of voters influenced.

• “Unfair attempts to influence voters or election officials through bribes, employment promises, threats, intimidation, systematic disruption of the election process, unbalanced media access; • “Disenfranchisement of voters through: unreasonably restricting the registration process, unreasonably restricting candidate eligibility, failing to properly list registered voters, failing to distribute voter identification cards, requiring unreasonable supplemental voter identification, systematic complication of the election process, incomplete distribution of election materials; • “Fraud, such as stealing ballots, stuffing ballots, destroying ballots, misreading, miscounting, and providing misleading reports to the media, voting twice, trying to remove indelible ink; • “Logistical problems, including insufficient number of ballots, ballots missing for certain parties, insufficient number of envelopes, ink that washes off, inadequate secrecy of the vote, missing officials, missing voter registry, no artificial lights; and

all tim and up people The the pr Two o of Stat be a S 14(2)( whom author in thei this C Thes bound Nige The be obs and ca Comm Broad 1999. on thre issued will be Para guid more g issues accura

Perspective

s In Election Reporting

ivic education: voters do not seem to have a reasonable understanding r right to freely choose a candidate or how to express their choice, and istrators do not have a reasonable understanding of their duties and o execute them.”

DITIONAL READING eat deal of sensible advice about election reporting is found in the BBCs ng guidelines for politics and policy at: www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/ de/politic/ r useful information about media freedom in Africa can be found at rs Reporters Without Borders http://en.rsf.orh/africa,1html and The ational Federation of Journalistshttp://africa.lfj.org/en roduction legal framework and standards for media coverage of the 2011 elections ntained in a number of different documents, namely the Electoral Act the Fourth Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, issued in 2006; e Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. e documents together cover the range of duties, responsibilities and tions of Nigerian journalists in the coverage of campaigns, elections olitical matters. They exist within the broader constitution charge ned in Section 22 of the Constitution that states: e press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at

mes be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter phold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the e.” media therefore has a responsibility, under the Constitution, to uphold inciples of democratic participation, which are contained in Chapter f the Constitution (on Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles te Policy), particularly in Section 14 which states that: “Nigeria shall State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.” Section (a) also states that “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from m government through this Constitution derives all its powers and rity” while Section 14(2)(c) enjoins that “the participation by the people ir government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of onstitution.” se are all fundamental principles which the media are constitutionally d to uphold. eria Broadcasting Code Nigeria Broadcasting Code was issued as “the minimum standard to served by all operators of radio and television stations as well as satellite able redistribution services” in Nigeria by the National Broadcasting mission (NBC) in accordance with Section 20(1) of the National dcasting Commission Act No. 38 of 1992, as amended by Act No. 55 of The first Code was issued in 1993, but it has been subsequently revised ee occasions, firstly in 1996, subsequently in 2003 with the latest revision d in 2006. A fifth edition is in the making but it is not certain when it e released. agraph 5.2 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code provides extensive delines for political broadcasts by the electronic media, in addition to general programming standards contained in the Code which touch on s such as general guidelines for programming; “straight dealing”; acy, objectivity, fairness, integrity, authenticity, good taste and decency,

morality, social values, coverage of women, etc. It also contains a number of sanctions for breaches of the provisions of the Code, including reprimand, warning, an enforced right of reply, light or heavy fines, reduction of broadcast hours, suspension of licence, and the highest penalty, which is the revocation of a stations broadcast licence.

Electoral Act 2010 The Electoral Act 2010 spells out guidelines and acceptable standards of conduct in the use of the media for campaigns and political advertising.

Section 99 of the Act limits the period of campaigning by political parties to a period beginning from 90 days before polling day and ending 24 hours before the start of voting.

Although not specifically targeted at the media, the section makes it an offence for a registered political party, acting through any person, to advertise on any of the facilities of any broadcast station, or to procure for publication, or acquiesce in the publication of an advertisement in a newspaper, in the 24 hours before election day, if the purpose is to promote or oppose any candidate. Upon conviction, the offence carries a penalty of a maximum fine of N500,000.

However, section 101 creates a similar offence specifically targeted at the media. It provides that “A person, print or electronic medium that broadcasts, publishes, advertises or circulates any material for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate over the radio, television, newspaper, magazine, handbill or any print or electronic media whatsoever called during 24 hours immediately preceding or on polling day commits an offence under this Act.” Where the offence is committed by a corporate body, every principal officer of the organization is equally guilty of the offence.

A corporate body convicted of an offence under the section is liable to a maximum fine of Ni million while an individual can be sanctioned by a fine, up to a maximum fine of N500,000 or to imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Section 100 prohibits the use of State apparatus, including the media, to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election. It requires that airtime should be allocated equally among the political parties or candidates at similar hours of the day.

Specifically, in the case of publicly owned broadcast media, equal airtime should be allotted to all political parties or candidates during prime times at similar hours each day, subject to the payment of appropriate fees.

For publicly owned print media, equal coverage and prominence should be given to all political parties. Publicly owned media that violate the requirements to give equal air time and space to all political parties and candidates at similar hours of the day are deemed guilty of an offence liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N500,000 in the first instance and to a maximum fine of Ni million for subsequent convictions.

Section 102 of the Act also outlaws campaigns based on religious, tribal or sectional considerations. It states that “A candidate, person or association who in campaigning sectional considerations. It states that “A candidate, person or association who engages in campaigning or broadcasting based on religious, tribal or sectional reason for the purpose of promoting or opposing a particular political party or the election of a particular candidate, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N1 million or imprisonment for a term of up to 12 months or to both.”

Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists The Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists, adopted in 1998 by the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) and the Nigerian Press Organizations (NPO), comprising the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), sets out professional and ethical standards for Nigerian journalists. The Nigerian Press Council is empowered to enforce the Code under the Nigerian Press Council Act No. 82 of 1992, as amended by Act No. 60 of 1999.

These provisions operate alongside internationally agreed standards and norms for election reporting, as well as various journalists codes of ethics. In addition there are general standards of journalistic conduct contained in the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists drawn up by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), which emphasize the importance of factual, accurate, balanced and fair reporting, as well as promoting the universal principles of human rights, democracy, justice, equity, and peace.

A number of bodies are involved in enforcing the provisions of the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. The Nigerian Press Council Act of 1992 as amended by Act No. 60 of 1999, gives primary responsibility for enforcement of the Code to the Nigerian Press Council. However, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the national level, and also in some of the State councils, also have disciplinary committees which attempt to enforce the provisions, although they are widely perceived to be ineffective.

The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has also appointed an Ombudsman (retired Appeal Court Justice Morounkeji Onalaja) as a self- regulatory mechanism which adjudicates complaints of professional misconduct against media practitioners within the framework of Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.

Other Guidelines In addition to these, civil society organizations and media stakeholders have developed various guidelines which are intended to assist the media to achieve better coverage of the elections and campaigns.

One of these, the “Media Advisory for Coverage of the 2007 Elections”, which was adopted at a meeting of media owners, managers, leaders and advocates, as well as regulators, including the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), held in Abuja on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 under the auspices of ARTICLE 19: the Global Campaign for Free Expression as well as Channels Television and Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

The Media Advisory, aimed at ensuring adequate and equitable media coverage for the elections, was distilled, in part, from the rules and practices of coverage of election campaigns, based on international standards and best comparative practice. It also draws from the applicable regulations in Nigeria, including the provisions of the Electoral Act 2006, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists as welt as the perspectives of senior media professionals and experts.

It recommended the standards to be observed during the election period, which are also relevant during non-election campaign periods. Most of the guidelines are directed at state- owned or funded media, although the private media are also required to meet the standards as part of their professional obligations. The guidelines addressed the media’s duty to inform the public; the rules governing election coverage; the protection for freedom of expression during elections, as well as the Government’s duty to provide a favourable legal and regulatory environment for the media.

The Consultative Media Group (CMG), comprising the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Media Rights Agenda and the International Press Centre (IPC), working with Global Rights Nigeria and the United Nations women organisation, (UNIFEM), have also developed and adopted guidelines for media coverage of the elections, The guidelines were motivated, according to the CMG, by the desirability for a free, fair, credible and well- regulated election, the need to avoid the aggravation of tension or violence and unnecessary political discord and the desire to ensure the success of the 2007 and subsequent Nigerian elections.

The guidelines focus on how to achieve impartiality and the principle of balanced and fair coverage, how to avoid incitement to violence and the provision of relevant information for women and other disadvantaged groups The guidelines provide in Paragraph 29 that: 1. The media should give fair and impartial coverage to female candidates to reinforce positive values of womanhood and leadership.

2. The media should encourage women contestants by raising public awareness of the importance of women’s participation in public life.

3. The media should provide equitable and regular coverage to all political parties, their candidates and platforms. They should encourage and promote the candidature of women and other disadvantaged groups irrespective of parties.

ALL of these documents serve as a body of standards and instruments that should guide and regulate the media’s coverage of the elections. MEDIA AND 2003 ELECTIONS. Courtesy IPC

“Section 100 prohibits the use of State apparatus, including the media, to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election. It requires that airtime should be allocated equally among the political parties or candidates at similar hours of the day.”

Gender Issues Gender Equality Architecture And UN Reforms INTRODUCTION: IN the last decade, efforts to make the development, human rights and peace/security “mainstreams” work for women have resulted in impressive gains as well as staggering failures. In the ten years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action (PFA), a number of strategic partnerships forged between women’s movements and policy reformers have placed equity and women’s human rights at the heart of global debates in areas such as the International Security Council Resolution 1325 on women,

change. Even then, these changes only come about when women’s rights advocates invest extraordinary interest, time and effort and, where required, take significant risks. For instance, it took nearly five years of advocacy by women with support of a small number of donors to get Burundi women included at the peace table and, at the eleventh hour, it was the advocacy of Nelson Mandela that made it finally happen.

This ad hoc approach, which too often requires high-level intervention, is not effective in producing consistent positive

peace and security, and in the Millennium Project Task Force on Gender Equality. In some regions, women have made striking gains in election to local and national government bodies, and in entering public institutions; girls’ access to primary education has increased and women are entering the labour force in larger numbers. access to contraception is much more widespread; gender equality has been mainstreamed in some countries into law reform processes and statistical measures; and violence against women has been recognized as a human rights issue and made a crime in many countries.

However, gains for women’s rights are facing growing resistance in many places and too often positive examples are the exception rather than the norm. They usually occur because an individual, a network, an organizational champion, or a unique confluence of “push” factors is responsive and receptive to

outcomes to support gender equality and women’s human rights.

II. Identifying the Gaps and Problems: Ten years after Beijing and 30 years after the first world conference on women in Mexico City, gender equality has a growing number — but still too few — advocates in the corridors of power at international, national or local levels where critical decisions are made For decades, women have relied on the United Nations as an important venue for the promotion of human rights and social justice, demanding that the UN set global norms and standards in these areas. Just last year at the World Summit, governments reaffirmed that gender equality is critical to the achievement of all Millennium Development Goals, and re-committed to its promotion in Goal #3. But too often there is insufficient implementation of these commitments, as demonstrated by the failure to achieve universal primary

By HILKA PIETILA

education in 2005—the first MDG target.

Many women’s rights advocates now fear that the political championship at a global level for social justice and women’s rights is eroding.

Evaluation after evaluation shows that countries, bi-lateral donors and the multilateral system consistently fail to prioritize, and significantly under-fund, women’s rights and equality work. Money talks, and in this case, it has voted with its feet. Equally worrying is the fact that new

gender equality and women’s human rights — legal frameworks, constitutional guarantees for equality, and gender equality policies — have advanced considerably in many countries as well as within the UN system.

However, the lack of implementation and accountability repeatedly undermines these commitments.

“Gender Mainstreaming,” promoted widely in the UN after the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women, was

aid principles stressing national ownership and their accompanying aid modalities such as budget support and sector wide approaches, while laudable in some ways, make it even harder to specifically resource and track gender equality goals.

Current state of Gender Equality and Gender Mainstreaming at the UN: The present phase of UN reform provides an opportunity to take gender equality from the realm of rhetoric to the practice of realities.

Most women’s rights advocates agree that the normative frameworks for

transformatory in its conception. But it has been extremely limited in its implementation. Gender mainstreaming has often only been reluctantly adopted by “mainstream” agencies because top leadership has not adequately supported this agenda; it has too often become a policy of “add women and stir” without questioning basic assumptions, or ways of working.

It has been implemented in an organizational context of hierarchy and agenda setting that has not prioritized women’s rights and where women’s units usually have

limited authority to initiate or monitor gender equality work, and no authority to hold people and pro grammes accountable.

Gender mainstreaming is sometimes even misused to simply mean including men as well as women, rather than bringing transformational change in gender power relations. At best, it has meant such things as adopting a gender policy, creating a gender unit to work on organizational programmes, mandatory gender training, and increasing the number of women staff and managers. In the worst cases, gender mainstreaming has been used to stop funding women’s work and/or to dismantle many of the institutional mechanisms such as the women’s units and advisors created to promote women in development, in the name of integration. Both national and international institutions have had this experience.

The UN system is replete with examples of structures and personnel mandated to do gender equality work that are under-resourced and underprioritized. They constantly must fight an uphill battle as a result of their low place in organizational hierarchies, small size, limited mandate, and the lack of autonomy and connection to key constituencies. Currently, there are several underresourced agencies focused exclusively on women’s issues (United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), the SecretaryGeneral’s Special Advisor on Gender Issues (OSAGI), and the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW)). For example, UNIFEM, the only unit with a (limited) field presence, is a fund, not an independent operational agency, that reports to the UNDP [Nations Development Programme] administrator, which means that it doesn’t have a seat at high-level decision-making tables. Gender units — from OSAGI to those in the specialized agencies — have limited ability to provide critical feedback or speak out on gender equality

performance; too often these special advisor or gender focal points in the UN are used to defend the status quo rather than change it. Their limited budgets, their limited access to decision making, and their limited terms of reference do not position them as critical players in their own entities.

Other larger agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA [ United Nations Population Fund], UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund), UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the High Commissioners for human rights and refugees and others, sometimes do important work on gender equality, but it is only a part of their mandate, and often receives low priority.

According to a 2002 UNIFEM/ UNDP scan, of the 1,300 UN staff who have gender equality in their terms of reference, nearly 1,000 of these are gender focal points that are relatively junior, have little substantive expertise, no budgets, and who deal with gender as one element of a large portfolio. In other words, these structures are designed to fail or falter.

Funding for gender equality work within both mainstream agencies and women’s specific mechanisms such as UNIFEM is grossly inadequate for the task at hand. In 2002, UNIFEM’s resources totaled US$36 million. In comparison, UNFPA’s budget for the same year was US$373 million; the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ budget was US$64 million and UNAIDS’ [ United Nations Programme on HI V/ AIDS] budget was US$92 million. UNICEF’s budget in the same year totaled US$1,454 million. The message is clear: investment in women is of the lowest order.

Most mainstream agencies cannot even track how much money they spend on women rights and the achievement of gender equality.

With decades of experience and in view of the challenges ahead, there is ample knowledge of how the UN system can be better organized and structured to facilitate positive change for women and families. Currently there are a variety of options that are being discussed.

“However, gains for women’s rights are facing growing resistance in many places and too often positive examples are the exception rather than the norm. They usually occur because an individual, a network, an organizational champion, or a unique confluence of “push” factors is responsive and receptive to change.”

Drumbeats Secret Of Billionaires

They Use Silence And Think!

HAVE you ever visited a Billionaire and you are told by his or her secretary that their boss is in but not in the mood to see anybody? If you are a stranger the secretary will simply tell you that their Boss is not around, but when you are close, and he or she has seen you often with their boss they will go in details, by telling you that their boss can’t see you today, and that you should come back some other time.

Do you know the reason for such action? The Billionaire at that moment is using silence to enhance his thinking to achieve greater success.

Friends, forget about the activities you see a Billionaire involved in outside. Greater part of their lives are spent in solitude.

Why do some Billionaires excel more than others? Its because they spend greater part of their time in silence that enhance their thinking for greater productivity.

I urge you to spend time in solitude and see if your heart desire will not be granted. Silence has enhanced the thinking of other billionaires you are crying night and day to be like If you will do what they constantly do, then you will get what they got.

If you are a good student of the bible, you will discover that during the earthly mission of Jesus Christ greater part of his life was spent in solitude. Often times we are told that Jesus withdrew from the disciples to be alone. If Jesus considered solitude important and used it to his advantage, then I see no reason why you and I cannot use it to change our lives and destiny.

Have you been fortunate to meet with any past or

present Chief Judge, Justice, President of a Country, Governor, Senate President and a renowned Pastor or priest? If you have, do they talk any how? How is their solitude life. Pastor and Judges should know that if they don’t live a life of solitude, they can never deliver good Judgment or deliver good sermon that will be a blessing to thousands or millions of people.

Friends, why do children during their birth see more, but lack the capacity and power to speak? God allows it, so that we can learn the power and usefulness of silence.

BILLIONAIRES BELIEVE IN TEAM WORK The reason for the success of some billionaires over others is that they believe strongly in team work.

A major billionaire does not cares about who gets the credit. What they value most is the amount they will make out of such business transaction. He collaborates with others to achieve his aims and objectives.

In the book, “Why we want you to be rich” by Donald J. Trump and Robert T. Kiyosaki, Donald has this to say regarding team work; “I will admit that people I know were surprised to hear I was going to collaborate with another entrepreneur to write a book. Entrepreneurs very much like being in control, and sharing the control is not high on our list of desirable situations. But when you meet some one who is on the same wavelength in so many ways, it becomes a pleasure.

Joining forces makes us stronger, not weaker.

Entrepreneurs are those people who like to try something new.

Collaborating in this way is some thing new for both

Robert and me, and I think we have enhanced each other as educationists, speakers and people by bringing our diverse personality together to achieve a whole that is both comprehensive and comprehensible. What is the point of having great knowledge and keeping it to yourself?

Here is another amusing point: entrepreneurs are often marked by avoiding group efforts. They want to be in charge. They want to do it themselves, and so be it. At least that’s is what the

With Apostle Dr. Raphael O. Ayemere 08035459593

suitable for entrepreneurship. I guess Robert and I don’t just fit the mold. But I don’t think that bothers either of us too much”.

Friends, if I may ask, how many billionaires have the same heart and attitude which Donald Trump had and exhibited towards his friends and partners in business?

If you look carefully and read this book well, you will discover that I have used Donald Trump as a reference point more than any other billionaire who are

don’t see the need, to please team up with others to achieve their goals and dreams.

In Primary, Secondary Schools and Universities across the world you will discover that the Schools Authorities always have midterm break or holidays, Why do schools authorities allow their students to embark on midterm break or holiday? Because they know that when a child or students

once or twice yearly; to them, is a necessity.

Even government institutions and offices allows their staff to go on vacation for thirty working days.

Are you a politician, bankers, trader, farmer or pastor? Create time to rest.

If we fail to rest, our ability to function will be limited and thereby reducing our productivity.

Many billionaires know that

richer than him because of his good heart, sincerity and truthfulness. Even though we have not met personally, but I know that I will be in United State in 2011 and visit him in his office in New York. I have already adopted him as my financial mentor.

I want to use this medium to thank all the billionaires who have collaborated with others to achieve a common goal; and I urge those who

is overused academically it could result to a child being sick or the student being broken down completely due to lack of rest.

Why do people lose their memory? It’s because they have overused their brains.

Billionaires having known the danger of not creating time to rest, have decided to make it (time) a precedent.

Vacations with their families and loved ones,

money is not every thing and that if they continue working night and day without rest, if they die, they will lose every thing to people who may not take proper care of what they have labored for.

“And God saw every thing that he made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were sixth day, and on the seventh day, God ended his work which he had made,

Donald Trump

expert have said when analyzing personality type

“Friends, forget about the activities you see a Billionaire involved in outside. Greater part of their lives are spent in solitude. Why do some Billionaires excel more than others? Its because they spend greater part of their time in silence that enhance their thinking for greater productivity.”

Focus

Enterprise Development: Financing

FINANCING Activities include obtaining resources from owners of the enterprise; and repaying the amounts obtained either as they become due or when they are surplus to the request of the enterprise. They also include the payment of returns to the providers of such financing in form of interest and dividends as well as expenses directly related to obtaining the financing. Cash flows from financing activities include: 1. Cash proceeds from the items of income and expense should be shown gross rather issue of equity instruments; 2. Cash proceeds from the than being netted off in order issue of debentures, bonds, to provide for fuller disclosure loan stock, commercial paper of the origin and nature of reported items. Interest paid is and other debt securities; 3. Draw-down on loan and the outcome of a financing overdraft facilities including decision while interest the discounting of received is the outcome of an investing decision. The netting acceptances; 4. Repayments of principal on off of interest paid with interest received would all forms of borrowing; 5. Finance lease repayments; obscure the decisions.

6. Payments of interest and Therefore, interest is better reported in the statement of dividend; 7. Payments relating to the Cash Flows on the gross basis. issue of debt and equity Interest received or — are securities such as credit- reported gross taxes. Interests related fees, issuing house and paid and capitalized are reported in the Statement of underwriting feels etc; 8. Receipts and payments Cash Flows. The interest relating to obtaining and element of finance lease rental repaying loan term credit; and payment is usually shown 9. Payments relating to the separately by the lessee. acquisition of the enterprise’s Dividend Received and Paid There is wide agreement that own equity instruments.

Exceptional and cash flows from dividends received arise from investing Extraordinary Items Cash flows from activities while cash flows on exceptional transaction whose dividends paid arise from effects are included in the financing activities. It is also profit and loss account are held that there may be cases usually reported under the where the investor-company appropriate standard headings has significant control over the — operating, investing or activities of the investorfinancing activities — company. In these cases it is according to the nature of cash argued that dividends received item. There is usually form part of operating sufficient disclosure of the activities. Dividends received nature of cash flows relating can, therefore, be classified to the exceptional items, by either operating activities or investing activities depending way of note.

Cash flows from on the nature of the dividends. extraordinary transactions In these cases where the has whose effects are included in investor-company the profit and loss account are significant control over the usually reported under the activities of the investorappropriate standard headings company and holds at least 20 according to the nature of each per cent of the equity, item. In extremely rare dividends received are circumstances where it is too classified as operating complex and arbitrary to activities. include cash flow from Dividends paid and other extraordinary items under one distribution to owners are or more of the standard classified under financing headings within the Statement activities. This classification of Cash Flows, the cash flow is consistent with the view that is shown under a separate financing activities include section in the statement. There resources from owners and is usually disclosure of the providing them with return on nature of cash flow relating to their investments. the extraordinary items, by Preparation and Format A reporting enterprise way of note.

Interest Paid and Received should prepare a Statement of Interest paid usually Cash Flows in line with the classified as cash flow from provisions of this Standard as financing activities while an integral part of its financial interest received is usually statements.

The Statement of Cash classified as cash flow from investing activities. Their Flows should include all cash classifications are based on inflows and outflows of the the view that operating enterprise during a reporting activities should not be period. It should, however, affected by the capital exclude cash flows arising structure decisions of an from the purchase and liquidation of cash equivalent; enterprise.

It is generally accepted that it should show only the net

Activities

By ANIWILSON UCHENNA

change cash and cash equivalents.

An enterprise should report its cash flows according to activity which gave rise to them and the cash flows should grouped under the broad headings of operating activities, vesting activities and financing activities.

An enterprise should use either the direct or in the method in preparing its Statement of Cash Flows.

However, direct method is preferred.

Received Dividends received should be classified as cash flows from (investing activities except in cases where the investor-company has significant control over the investor-company and holds at least 20 per cent of the equity.

In such cases, dividends received should be Classified as cash flows from operating activities.

Dividends paid and other distributions to owners should

The Statement of Cash Flows should report gross cash flows except in the instances where net cash flows would be more relevant and meaningful such as: a) Where the enterprise is, in substance, holding or disturbing cash on behalf of its customers; and b) Where turnover of investments and loans is rapid and the total volume of transactions is large.

Interest Paid and Received Interest paid should be classified as cash flows from financing activities while interest received should be classified as cash flows from investing activities. The interest element of finance lease rental payments should be shown separately by the losses.

Interest received or paid should be reported gross of taxes. Interest capitalized should also be reported in the Statement of Cash Flows.

Dividends Paid and

be flied as cash flows from financing activities.

Foreign currency Cash Flows Cash flows resulting from foreign currency transactions should be translated using the rates applicable at the time the cash flows occurred. A weighed average exchange rate for a period should be used for translation if the result is substantially the same the rates applicable at the dates of the cash flows were used.

Taxation The total amount of income taxes paid should be classified as operating cash outflows and should be separately disclosed.

The net amount paid or received with respect to Value Added Tax and other sales taxes should be shown separately as cash flows from operating activities.

Taxes paid or refunds received in respect of capital profits (such as Capital Gains Tax) should be reported in line

with the underlying transaction giving rise to them.

Exceptional and Extraordinary Items Cash flows from exceptional and extraordinary items whose effects are included in the profit and loss account should be reported under appropriate headings — operating, investing and financing activities — according to the nature of each item. There should be sufficient disclosure of the nature of cash flows relating to exceptional and extraordinary items, by way of note to the financial statements.

Acquisition and Disposal of

a) Interest received; b) Dividends received liners p a i d ; c) Interest paid d) Dividends paid; and e) Income taxes paid Reporting Cash flows of Financial Institutions Financial institutions should prepare a Statement of Flows as part of their financial statements.

However, organization should report cash flows from operations on a net basis.

Reconciliations An enterprise should show, by way of note a reconciliation of the amounts in its Statement of ’ Cash Flows with equivalent items reported in the profit and loss account and

Entities The cash flow effects of acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries and other business units should be classified as investing activities and presented separately in the Statement of Cash Flows. The details required should be presented in aggregate for all entities acquired or disposed of during the financial year.

Major Non-Cash Transactions Non-cash transactions of a reporting entity should not be incorporated in the Statement of Cash Flows. However, such transactions should be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements in a way that provides all the relevant information about their cash flow implications.

Cash Flows to be Highlighted The following cash flows, however classified, shall be disclosed separately in the Statement of Cash Flows:

the balance sheet. It should also show, by way of note, a reconciliation of cash flows tm operating activities to operating profit or loss after income tax as reported in the profit and loss account.

Finally, the Statement of Cash Flows should include separately a reconciliation of the increase in cash and cash equivalents during the reporting period with the opening and closing balances.

A Statement of Cash Flows prepared in compliance with this standard replaces the Statement of Source and Application of Funds required

by Statement of Accounting Standard No. 2 of Information to be disclosed in Financial Statements, and the Companies and Allied Matters Decree 1990.

The requirement of this Standard accord substantially with the requirements of International Accounting Standard No. 7 (revised) Cash Flow Statements.

Leadership

Leadership Reframe It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy of life lies in having no goal to reach... Benjamin E. Mays GOALS are the checkpoints that allow us to choose our direction and reach our destination.

You may be wondering why I am bringing up this idea now. After all, isn’t the beginning of the year the traditional time when we set goals and make resolutions? Here are my reasons. First, there is plenty of data that demonstrates that the goals and resolutions that we create in January are often not met or even revisited. I wonder if setting goals is more of a tradition or year end obligation rather than a thoughtful integration of intention and planning. I am providing another opportunity to be intentional about our goals.

Next, during December and January we are not at our best in terms of energy and focus. Revisiting goals now affords us more energy and clarity for the task. Finally, we might find ourselves not making progress on our goals.

It’s not too late to adjust course if you’re feeling a bit off track.

Acknowledge reality and adjust course before it’s too late. Whether you are thinking about your goals for the first time this year, or already have them in place, I invite you to seize this important opportunity right now.

“What Is Not Started

Today Is Never Finished Tomorrow.”

—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Here is a starting place for your goals using the following “checks”. You may find yourself moving around from check to check. That’s ok. The process doesn’t have to be consistently linear.

Start Here, “Reframe”: Think of Goals as Checkpoints. In this context, I am “re-framing” goals just a little bit. Instead of using goals as the end point, I am suggesting that we use goals as “checkpoints” that allow you to “check” on progress.

Think of these checkpoints not only as important achievements that must be met, but also as a time to review and refuel.

Checkpoints are like key rest stops on a long road trip. What do you do at a rest stop?- check your time, stretch, refresh, refuel (you, others and your car), get rid of the garbage, adjust course if needed and review the destination and the next checkpoint.

Use your goals as check points to keep you heading in the direction of your destination, your vision.

Check 1: What’s the vision? Think about your overall vision for your business, team, career, a project, idea or your leadership. I ask leaders to start with the vision first or they can be setting goals that take them off the map, or even use the wrong map for what they are hoping to create. Not sure what your

vision is? That’s o.k. Take some time to create it or revisit it before you go into your goals. Your vision is not a business plan. Think of it as a future ideal state.

If you work on your goals before your vision, then you run the risk of setting and achieving goals that do not serve you.

Check 2: Break it down: What would success look like at the end of this year, in order for you to know that you are on the path of

checkpoints is merely a dream.

Check 3: Check the goals. Once you have your goals, ask yourself these questions: 1. Do these goals align with my vision?

2. If I achieve these goals, will I be heading in the right direction? 3. Will I be closer to realizing my vision? Asking yourself these questions is a way of ensuring that these goals make sense for what you are trying to do.

your vision? What goals need to be achieved in order to realize my vision for this year? If your vision is the destination, then goals are the roads, vehicles and checkpoints along the way to get you there. A vision without planned goals and

Without clear goals and a vision, it doesn’t matter what road you take or in what direction it’s heading.

Check 4: How will you know when you’ve met the goal? It’s not enough to set goals; you must know when you have achieved them. When I work with

“What would success look like at the end of this year, in order for you to know that you are on the path of your vision? What goals need to be achieved in order to realize my vision for this year? If your vision is the destination, then goals are the roads, vehicles and checkpoints along the way to get you there.”

With Bamidele Michael

08064496136

“Taking time to celebrate is inspiring.

It gives you and others energy that you will need to keep working through the next challenge. It gives you hope and perhaps most of all, it allows people to feel appreciated. Whether it is at work or at home, people want to know that they and their contributions are valued.” leaders I ask them, “If this is your goal, then how would you know if you’ve reached it? How will you know if things are ‘better’?

What are the clues?” Often we know that we need things to be better, but we have trouble defining

done by you, your colleagues, team or organization. Taking time to celebrate is inspiring. It gives you and others energy that you will need to keep working through the next challenge. It gives you hope and perhaps most

specifics. As the leader, you must define these goals and check points so that you can be clear on the behaviors that contribute to the goals. Once you have those behaviors, then you can coach and demonstrate those behaviors and then recognize when you and others are reaching the goal.

Check 5: Celebrate! If you took the time and effort to set some meaningful and challenging goals, then there was probably some hard work put in as well as adversity that had to be overcome to achieve them.

Celebrate! It is important to take time to acknowledge the hard work that has been

of all, it allows people to feel appreciated. Whether it is at work or at home, people want to know that they and their contributions are valued. Celebration and acknowledgement provide you high impact opportunities to let people know that they are valued.

There is always an opportunity to lead yourself and your team.

Start here, right now, with this moment, with this step.

What are 3 check points that you’d like to reach for 2013 that will indicate to you, that you’ve had a great year?

I wish you courage and success as you work through your vision and goals.

Law BEFORE the Military take over in 1966, all electoral legislations, whether in respect of local government, regional houses, or Federal houses, provided for a uniform manner of questioning an election, namely by a petition to the High Court, and thereafter by appeal to the Supreme Court. The appeals were conducted under the same rules as other appeals in civil matters, except the Federal election under the Electoral Edict 1962 which provided for an appeal by motion. The local government system of 1976 introduced a new method of questioning an election by a complaint to a committee very often com posed of lay men. The various local government Edicts which made this sort of provision were not uniform in the provision.

Some Edicts specifically provided that no appeal lies against the decision of the Committee. Some Edicts gave right of appeal to the High Court from the decision of the Committee. These appeal committees are in practice tribunals of first instance enter training election petitions, and proceeding for alleged disqualification of Chairman and councillors of a local government. Some local government enactments, either in the Edict itself, or by separate regulations, prescribe for election petitions to the High Court in accordance with the usual election petition rules.

190. The 1979 elections for offices of President, Governor, and for membership of houses of Senate, Federal Assembly, and State Assembly are governed by a special legislation -the Electoral Decree No. 73 of 1977. Section 108 of the Decree provides for questioning any such election by a petition to a Tribunal compnsing the Chief Judge of a State .or such other Judge or legally qualified person as may be appointed as Chairman by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and two other members appointed also by the Chief Justice. Section 118 of the Decree provides that the decision of the Tribunal is final and not subject to appeal except in the case of a President or Vice President. In the later case, appeal must be filed within 14 days of the decision, and the Supreme Court must determine the appeal not later than 14 days from the date on which the appeal was filed. Subject to this, the appeal is subject to the Supreme Court Rules for civil appeals modified to suit the circumstances.

191. The Electoral Decree 1977 must automatically cease to have any force of law on the coming into force of the 1979 Constitution on the 1st of October, 1979. Section 237 of the Constitution has conferred on the High Court, to the exclusion on any other court, the original jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether any person has been validly elected to any office, to the membership of any legislative house, or whether the term of office of any person has ceased or if the seat of a person in a legislative house has become vacant. The office or the legislative house must be the one

created under the Constitution except the offices of the President of the Senate and speaker of legislative houses (S. 260). The provision does not apply to the local government offices and election. The Federal High Court is the competent High Court •to exercise the jurisdiction with respect to the office of the President or vice President; whilst the State High Court is the competent High Court to exercise jurisdiction as regards the office of the Governor or Deputy Governor of the State concerned.

With regard to the membership of or the seat of a person in a legislative house, the competent High Court is that of the State within which the senatorial district, or the Federal constituency, or the State constituency involved is located.

192. Section III of the Constitution provides that the National Assembly shall make provisions as respects persons who may apply to the competent High Court for the determination of any question as to whether any person has been validly elected as a member of a House of Assembly; or whether the term of office of any person has ceased; or whether the seat in a House of Assembly of a member of that House has become vacant; or the circumstances and manner in which, and the conditions upon which, such application may be made; and powers, practice and procedure of the High Court in relation to any such application.

Similar provisions are contained in section 73 of the Constitution with regard to the membership of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. Appeal lies as of right on such matters, from the High Court to the Federal Court of Appeal (S. 220(l)(f) of the Constitution), and further to the Supreme Court (S. 213(2)(c) of the Constitution), to be exercised in accordance with any Act of the National Assembly and rules of court for the time being in force regulating the powers, practice and powers of the Supreme Court or the Federal Court of Appeal as the case may be (S. 213(6) and 222(b)).

193. As seen above, an Electoral Act is to be enacted to regulate election petitions including appeal on connection thereto. Until the Act is passed, if any matter arises, the person affected may still go to the High Court or go on appeal, adopting any similar procedure in civil proceedings. The phrase “for the time being” is yet to be interpreted by the courts. Appeal lies strictly within the time stipulated by the relevant statute, failing which, as in other civil matters.

194. Where an appeal is by the ordinary procedure in civil matters, the condition for the appeal shall be fixed by the registrar on the settlement of the record of appeal. But where the appeal is by motion, the relevant statute may stipulate the condition and in the absence of that, the appeal court may give the conditions at the instance of the respondent. The Electoral Act of 1 962 provided as a condition that the appellant shall pay into the Government Treasury by way

Provisions And Procedure

Election Petition Appeals: of a deposit, the sum of one thousand naira as security for costs and that the receipt shall be exhibited to the affidavit in support of the motion for appeal.

195. The record of appeal in civil proceedings is usually settled by the parties on summons of the High Court registrar.

Thereafter the High Court Registry shall be responsible for the preparation and transmission of the record to the appeal court.

Each party buys its own record from the registry when it is ready.

In the case of an appeal by motion it seems that the responsibility rests with the appellant. The record of the proceedings should be verified in an affidavit. The appellant should attach the record

Consequently, the appeal court may issue directives for the disposal of the deposit; for settlement, preparation and disposal of the record and for the custody and transmission of exhibits. The appeal enjoys precedence over all other civil appeals other than those that are part-heard.

197. If an appeal be filed against the decision that the election is void, the elected candidate retains his seat pending the determination

62(d) of the former Eastern Nigeria Local Government Law (Cap 79) which stipulated that on failing to give a security as ordered by the court, further proceedings would be stayed.

Another instance is the provision usually contained in the rule to the effect that failure by a petitioner to remove a successful objection to security operates as a stay of further proceedings in the petitions. Courts as a practice do not stay a proceeding, but

to his motion for the appeal, but where he had not obtained it, the record should be filed later. There shall be filed ten copies of the record for the appeal court, and as many other copies as there are respondents to the appeal. The costs of providing the appellant with the requisite number of copies of the record will be met from the one thousand naira deposited by the appellant. In appropriate cases, the appeal court may, by order addressed to the High Court, direct that the record be prepared and made available to the appellant or to the court within a specified period.

The rules of the Supreme Court as regards the preparation, filing and exchange of briefs should be complied with. Where the appeal is by motion, the Supreme Court may consider abridging the time table for this exercise stipulated in the rules.

196. The appeal court, on the receipt of the record of appeal in ordinary civil proceedings, enters it in the appeal cause list whereupon a hearing date is later fixed and notices sent out to the parties for the hearing and determination of the appeal.

Where the appeal is by a motion, the appeal must be deemed to be entered on the filing of the motion and may be heard and determined on the return date of the motion or -on any adjourned date as may be convenient. The appeal court, thus seised with the proceedings, may make any interim order as may be necessary for expeditious determination of the appeal.

of the appeal. But if the decision was that the petitioner or some other person was the one duly elected, that other person immediately takes the seat in place of the respondent notwithstanding the appeal. He can only step down if the appeal succeeds. The decision of the court that an election is void or that a particular person was duly elected, does not require formal enforcement. The decision takes effect from the date of the judgment except that if there is an appeal and the decision is that the election is void, the decision does not take effect until the date it is confirmed by the appeal court or the appeal lapses or is withdrawn.

Should any person cling to the seat after the date the decision of the court that he is not entitled to it takes effect, his acts are void and he is not entitled to any of the privileges, benefits and perequisites of the office; and he may find himself held in contempt of the House and of the Court. All other decisions of the court than those discussed above, whether made at an interlocutory proceeding or at the final determination of the petition, shall be enforced as may be provided by the electoral legislation or as may be ordered by the court at the time of the decision; failing these, the decision may be enforced as it may be done in an ordinary civil action. Instances of legislative provisions for a particular mode of enforcement of certain court decisions are not uncommon. One instance may be found in section

strike it out.

198. Costs against the petitioner shall be enforced from the security given by him for that purpose. A person who is desirous of enforcing the payment of costs against a petitioner from the security given for that purpose shall first apply to the court by a motion on notice to the petitioner. The affidavit in support of the motion shall contain full particulars of the costs and shall disclose the nature of the security given by the petitioner. The petitioner is entitled to file an objection. For this purpose, the notice of the motion served on him shall require him to file the objection, if any, within a prescribed period. The objection shall be filed with a counter-affidavit and shall set out full particulars and grounds of the objection. Both parties are entitled to be heard on the hearing of the application.

The court may refuse the application on any just ground.

If the court grants the application, it shall in the case of security by deposit of money order the costs to be paid out of the security: and in the case of security by recognizance order the surety to pay the costs. Where the court orders costs to be paid out of a deposit of money, the registrar shall, on an application by the person entitled according to the order of the court, pay the amount to such person. Where the court orders a surety to pay the costs, the surety becomes a judgment debtor in respect of

By A. OBI-OKOYE

such costs and on his default, the amount may be enforced against him through a process of the court in any manner by which judgment for payment of money may be enforced in an ordinary civil action. A petitioner who did not give security for costs is in the same position as the respondent and costs ordered against him may be enforced in the same manner as against a respondent. A similar situation applies in respect of costs over and above the amount secured by the petitioner.

1 99. The security given by the petitioner may cover or be in respect of the charges and expenses incidental to the trial of the petition, and may include his own charges and expenses as well as those of the respondents. The court may during the trial, order the petitioner to be responsible for the charges and expenses of summoning a witness or of conducting a particular proceeding. The registrar shall not appropriate such charges and expenses from the security given by the petitioner without leave of the court: and any other party shall not demand payment of the charges and expenses from the security without leave of the court. Leave of the court may be obtained by the registrar ad ministratively but a party to the suit or any other person shall obtain the leave by a motion in the manner already set out regarding costs.

200. The deposit made by the petitioner as security for charges, expenses and costs is an amount deposited by an order of court, and it cannot be withdrawn by the petitioner without an order of the court, Where the petitioner alleges that there is a balance after payment of all charges, expenses or costs as the case may be for which purpose the deposit was made, he shall apply to the court by a motion on notice to all the parties and other persons who may be entitled to draw from the deposit. Any person interested in the security may object to the return of the balance. The court may refuse the application on a just ground and shall do so if it is not satisfied that all costs, charges and expenses as may have been secured, had been met; other wise the court may grant the application and order the balance to be refunded to the person in those name it was deposited or any other person who, in the opinion of the court may be entitled to receive the balance of the deposit. It should be emphasized that except for the statutory proceedings such as motions in connection with withdrawal of deposits, the court, like its’ powers under ordinary civil proceedings, becomes functus officio after it has delivered the judgment and cannot reopen and adjudicate on any issue in the petition.

Human Science

THE structure of the eye.

The eye-ball is a hollow sphere 1 in in diameter and is sunk into the eye socket of the skull on a cushion of fat. It is held in position by six muscles attached to the back of the eye; by means of these muscles it can be moved in any direction (see Fig. 179 (a)). The optic nerve passes out of the back of the eye to the brain. The upper and lower eyelids are flaps of skin and membrane which protect and clean the front of the eye-ball and cover it when we sleep.

Fig. 179 (b) shows the structure of the eye in vertical section. It is covered in front by the tough transparent skin, or conjunctiva. The wall of the eye itself has three layers; the outermost, the sclerotic, is of tough connective tissue and forms the white of the eye which is exposed in front. The middle layer is the pigmented choroids which is well supplied with blood capillaries and is the nutritive layer. The inner layer is the thin lining of delicate cells which is sensitive to light, the retina.

The three layers are modified in the front of the eye to form transparent structures which allow light to enter.

The cornea is a transparent part of the sclerotic which bulges forward in the front of the eye. The choroid layer is also continued in front and forms a pigmented muscular diaphragm, the iris; this is the round coloured part of the eye.

In the centre of the iris is the circular aperture, the pupil, by which light enters the eye. The retina is not continued in the front of the eye, but its place is taken by the circular, double-convex lens of the eye.

The lens is stretched across the eye behind the iris and is held all round by a circular ring of ligament tissue called the suspensory ligament (see Fig. 179 (b)). The outside edge of the suspensory ligament is inserted on a circular lip of tissue, called the ciliary process, which goes all round the mouth of the choroid, just behind the iris; the diary process contains the ciliary muscles. Between the lens and the cornea there is a watery liquid called the aqueous humour, and behind the lens filling the rest of the eye cavity there is a clear transparent jelly called the vitreous humour.

The retina is a very thin sheet of tissue only 0.5-0.2 mm. in thickness; but it consists of several layers. The sensory cells are of two kinds, rods and cones; they have their long axes at right angles to the surface and are either rodshaped or cone-shaped at one end and have nerve fibres at

the other. These fibres connect with other bipolar nerve cells which in turn synapse with ganglion cells.

Axons from the ganglion cells collect together from all over the surface of the retina to leave the eye-ball as the optic nerve. (See Figs. 179 (b) and 180.)

The eye as a camera. You may have already studied the optical system by which the eye works as a camera, as shown in Fig. 181. The light passes through the pupil and is refracted by the curved surface of the cornea and again by the aqueous humour before reaching the lens. The lens is automatically adjusted so that an image is focused on to the surface of the retina at the back of the eye. The pigmented cells of the choroid and the retina prevent reflection of light inside the eye, which would obscure the image on the retina. The image formed by the lens of the retina is inverted. (See Exercise 75B) Light striking the retina must pass through the ganglion layer and the cell layer before reaching the rods and cones. The rods and cones are thought to receive the light energy, but their action is not fully understood.

There are about 130 million rods in the human eye and they are thought to be important in receiving dim light, because they contain a dark substance closely related to Vitamin A, lack of which impairs ‘night vision’. Vision in dim light is also limited to the peripheral areas of the retina where there are only rods and no cones. The cones are thought to be of three types. These types are sensitive to red, green and blue-purple light respectively, but they have not yet been identified.

Both rods and cones are extremely sensitive and have been estimated to be capable of receiving the smallest particle of light energy, the quantum.

The yellow spot. At one spot, called the yellow spot, nearly at the centre-back of the eye, the retina is very thin, and the image formed is clearest at this point. When we focus on an object in order to see it clearly, we must bring the centre of the image to this spot; the sensitive cells are closely packed here and there are no blood vessels to obscure the image. This explains why we move our eyes along a line of print to read the words, and why we scan a landscape to see a wide view. (See Fig. 183.)

The blind spot. Where the optic nerve leaves the eyeball there is an insensitive spot on the retina called the

The Science Of Sight And Seeing

blind spot (see Fig. 183). You can find this spot on your own eye by using Fig. 184. (See Exercise 75.)

Focusing the eye. We have already mentioned the way in which the iris automatically adjusts the pupil to allow the right amount of light to enter the eye (see Exercise 75). The light

of the lens to the distance of the object being viewed; but we cannot focus on an object nearer than nine inches. This system of vision is thrown out of action if we try to see objects under water, because the refraction of light passing from water to the eye is different from the refraction

rays from the object now have to be focused according to the distance of the object from the lens which brings about the formation of the sharp, inverted image on the retina. This is called accommodation and is brought about by altering the curvature of the lens, which we can do automatically. When at rest, the eye is focused at infinity and parallel rays from the object are focused exactly at the retina by the flattened lens; in this position the suspensory ligament (see Fig 182 (a)) is in a state of tension and the lens is being pulled all round its edge, thus flattening it. When we focus our eyes on a near object, the ciliary muscles contract, the tension in the suspensory ligament is released and the lens contracts, increasing its curvature until the near object is brought into focus. (See Fig. 182 (b).) We can do this automatically, that is, without thinking we adjust the curvature

of’ light from air to the eye.

Can you explain why this obscures the image on the retina?

Judgment of distance. The two eyes are set 3—4 in. apart in the front of the forehead and give two slightly different views of a nearby object which vary according to the distance of the object. The brain interprets these images on the retina so that we get a threedimensional picture called stereoscopic vision, or binocular vision, and we are able to judge the distance of an object. This is a great advantage to many vertebrate animals with front vision, such as owls, hawks, carnivores and monkeys, which have to catch their prey. The dolphin-whales which have been trained to play netball in some of the marine lakes in America have wide-set eyes and judge distances very accurately; they can drop the ball into the net

from any angle with unerring judgment.

SPECTACLES Some people cannot see clearly without spectacles because the image formed in their eye does not focus exactly on the retina; there may be several reasons for this. The ciliary muscles may not accommodate the lens of the eye properly, or the eye

itself may be slightly out of shape. The Chinese first used spectacles to correct these defects as early as 500 B.C. Nowadays young people are advised to wear spectacles when they are needed and the correct ones may often improve their natural vision. It is important that young children who need spectacles should wear them to prevent dangerous strain on their eyes; moreover, correct spectacles often improve or even set right natural vision. Most people over 50 need spectacles because the lens and ciliary muscles in their eyes become less efficient with age and cannot focus near objects; papers and books have to be held away from the eyes to read the print and this strains them. As we get older we should have our eyes tested, especially if we find print difficult to read or get headaches. Poor light and

incomplete diet may cause eye strain; any eye strain demands rest and good light, without glare.

Long sight. In this condition, the image formed by the eye lens is focused behind the retina, and so the image at the retina is blurred.

As the object is moved farther

away from the eyes, the image moves closer to the eye lens.

A far-sighted person will tend to hold an object away from his eyes. Spectacles with a convex lens will make the parallel rays from a distant object converge slightly before entering the eye and bring the eye-lens image nearer to the lens and the retina (Fig. 185 (a)).

Short sight. This condition is shown in Fig. 185 (b). The eye lens cannot form a clear image of a distant object because the distance between the lens and the retina is too great. As the object is brought nearer to the eye, the image moves farther back nearer the retina, so a near-sighted person holds an object close to the eye. Revise your optics and decide what sort of spectacle lens will be required by a short-sighted person, if the image of a distant object is to be thrown farther back.

International

Thai Junta To Explain Self To International Rights Groups

BANGKOK - Thailand’s junta said yesterday it had ordered the Thai ambassadors to the United States and Britain to meet human rights groups in an effort to “create understanding” about last month’s seizure of power.

Several Western governments have spoken out against the May 22 coup, calling for a speedy return to democracy. Rights groups have urged the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to curb its powers to detain and prosecute civilians.

“The NCPO has ordered Thailand’s ambassadors in New

York and London to meet representatives from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to create understanding,” Yongyuth Mayalarp, a spokesman for the NCPO, told reporters.

Representatives at Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch confirmed they had been invited to meet the ambassadors.

“We intend to listen to what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives have to say and, of course, we will also reiterate our serious concerns about the military’s actions since May 22,”

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

SUMOLA – I, formerly known and addressed as Bello-Osagie Sumola Michael now wish to be known and addressed as Bello-Osagie Ismaila Michael. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

OSUNHON – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ewemade .S. Osunhon now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ewemade .S. Airuoyuwa. All former documents remain valid.

Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

IDEMUDIA – I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idemudia Margaret now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Margaret Ebagua. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

AREBU – I, formerly Miss Loveth Arebu now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs. Loveth Arebu Obazee.

All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHRISTIAN CONSULATE PRAYER MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Pastor Alfred .O. – Chairman 2.

Rev. David Amide – Member 3.

Sunday Eromon – Member 4.

Pastor Sani Sado – Member 5.

Mr. Micheal Obabueki – Member 6.

Mrs. Martha Alfred – Secretary 7.

Professor Anthony Ogbeibu - Member AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ through selfless service using all scriptural means, in consonance with the Holy Scripture under the guidance of the Almighty God. 2. To promote fellowship through prayer, praises and studying the Word of God. 3. To offer direct assistance to widows and fatherless persons.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Kingsley .O. Imobekhai, Esq.

John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, told Reuters in an e-mail, adding that a meeting date had not yet been set.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he took power to restore order after nearly seven months of political turmoil in the polarised country. He has launched a reconciliation campaign aimed at healing divisions.

Prayuth is due to meet foreign diplomats on Wednesday to brief them on the military’s plans.

The NCPO ordered political parties yesterday to suspend activities. When the military scrapped the constitution after the coup it was unclear whether parties would continue to exist.

The coup was the latest chapter in a power struggle between the Bangkok-based royalist establishment and supporters of ousted former populist premier Thaksin Shinawatra, whose stronghold is in the rural north and northeast.

Thaksin’s removal in a 2006 coup did nothing to heal the divide and the military now appears intent on finishing what it started then, shuffling senior civil servants and military personnel to blunt the power of Thaksin loyalists.

The ousted government was headed by Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, until she was ordered to step down on May 7 after a court found her guilty of abuse of power.

The NCPO has moved swiftly to revive an economy battered by months of chaos.

On Saturday, Prayuth declared himself head of the Board of Investment, a position typically held by the prime minister.

He has said that this week the junta would begin approving projects to stimulate the

The summit would be the first time leaders of the warring parties have met since signing a ceasefire on May 9, the second since January.

But the ceasefire has been repeatedly broken with fighting continuing in the young nation, deepening a crisis which has already killed thousands and forced over 1.3 million from their homes.

Information Minister Michael Makuei said in a statement the government was “optimistic that this round of discussions will sow the seeds of peace”.

government had hoped to boost growth through projects including high-speed railways and highways.

While the junta steamrolls ahead with plans for reform and stimulus, it has launched campaigns to “bring back happiness”, including free concerts and food stalls.

It has imposed a ban on political gatherings of more than five people and a nationwide curfew, now running from midnight to 4 a.m.

Lom-Ali Gaitukayev, background center, and Rustam Makhmudov, right, accused of the murder of journalists Anna Politkovskaya, await the judge’s verdict in a glass cage, at the Moscow City Court, in Moscow, Russia yesterday.

Eg ypt: Sisi To Make Cabinet Changes Egypt:

CAIRO- Egypt’s military-installed government was due to resign yesterday with new President Abdel Fattah alSisi expected to make changes to the cabinet on his first day in office, media reported.

The ex-army chief was sworn in on Sunday, nearly a year after ousting elected president Mohamed Morsi after millions protested against the Islamist’s divisive one year rule.

“The cabinet ended its last meeting yesterday morning ... during which it prepared its letter of resignation to be presented to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi,” state news

agency MENA reported.

Egyptian newspapers reported that Sisi is expected to ask interim prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab to continue in his post, but could make minor changes to the cabinet.

The government installed

by Sisi, who has been the de facto leader since he ousted Morsi, has carried out a brutal crackdown on the former president’s Muslim Brotherhood in which more than 1,400 people have been killed and thousands more jailed.

Hours after his inauguration, Sisi, in a warning to the now blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood, said there will

Peace Talks: S/Sudan Leader Set To Meet ADDIS ABABA - South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel chief Riek Machar are set to meet today in a fresh push to end nearly six months of civil war, sources said yesterday.

A source close to the talks in the Ethiopian capital said the rivals are set to meet “in the afternoon” today, along with regional leaders from the East African bloc IGAD. A face-to-face meeting between the foes “would be very good” for the peace process, the source told journalists.

economy. It is reviewing a contentious 350 billion baht ($10.8 billion) water management plan and 2 trillion baht in infrastructure projects initiated by the former government.

The water management plan was suspended in 2013 and a court ordered Yingluck to hold more public hearings.

The Constitutional Court ruled against the infrastructure plan in March, saying the funding methods were illegal. Yingluck’s

Rebel Chief both sides to respect peace

Meanwhile Human Rights Watch urged mediators to not allow any amnesty to be included in a peace deal, and to punish those guilty of war crimes.

“The mediators need to break with the past by ensuring that amnesty for serious crimes is not on the table,” HRW Africa director Daniel Bekele said in a statement.

The United Nations has accused both sides of possible war crimes, and has called on

deals.

Aid agencies are also warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis and the risk of famine should the war continue, while a cholera outbreak has spread beyond the capital Juba.

The conflict has pitted government troops against forces loyal to Machar. The violence has taken on an ethnic dimension, with Dinka people loosely tied to Kiir fighting the Nuer, Machar’s tribe.

be “no leniency and truce with those who resort to violence”.

“I am looking to a new era built on reconciliation and tolerance.. except with those who committed crimes or used violence as a tool,” he said on Sunday in his first national address as president.

“I am saying clearly that those who shed the blood of the innocent and killed ... the sons of Egypt, they

don’t have a place in (our) march.”

At his inauguration, Western countries alarmed by the brutal police crackdown on dissent were represented mostly by lowlevel representatives.

Sisi becomes Egypt’s second elected president since a popular uprising overthrew longtime strongman Hosni Mubarak in 2011, unleashing more than three years of political turmoil.

5 Jailed Over Politikovskaya Killing MOSCOW— A Russian court yesterday sentenced two men to life in prison and three others to terms ranging from 12 to 20 years for the 2006 killing of renowned journalist Anna Politkovskaya.

All five were convicted last month.

Politkovskaya, 48, was noted for her criticism of Kremlin policies in Chechnya and of human rights violations there.

She was shot to death in the elevator of her Moscow apartment building.

Gunman Rustam Makhmudov and his uncle, Lom-Ali Gaitukayev — who was convicted of organizing the shooting — were sentenced to life. Two of Makhmudov’s brothers were sentenced to 12

and 14 years and a former Moscow policeman, Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, was given 20 years as accomplices.

The Makhmudovs and Gaitukayev are all of Chechen origin.

Despite the convictions, it is unclear who ordered the killing and Politkovsakaya’s family says it will continue to push for the case to be fully solved.

“For us, the most important thing is to find the person who ordered the killing,” her son Ilya Politkovsky said after the sentences were announced, according to the reports.

Vladimir Markin, a spokesman for Russia’s Investigative Committee, said “exhaustive measures are being taken at this time” to find the killing’s initiator.

International

Venezuelans Rally Support For Jailed Opposition Leader

Syria Becoming Failed State - Former Peace Envoy BERLIN - Syria is descending into a Somaliastyle failed state run by warlords which poses a grave threat to the future of the Middle East, former peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has said.

Brahimi, who stepped down a week ago after the failure of peace talks he mediated in Geneva, said that without concerted efforts for a political solution to Syria’s brutal civil war “there is a serious risk that the entire region will blow up.”

“The conflict is not going to stay inside Syria,” he told Der Spiegel magazine in an interview published at the weekend.

More than 160,000 people have been killed in the conflict, which grew out of protests against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011, inspired by uprisings in the wider Arab world.

Brahimi said many countries misjudged the Syrian crisis, expecting Assad’s rule to crumble as some other Arab leaders’ had done, a mistake they compounded by supporting “the war effort instead of the peace effort”.

The civil war has drawn in powerful regional states, with Sunni Gulf monarchies and Turkey supporting the rebels and foreign jihadis. Shi’ite Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iraqi Shi’ites back Assad.

Major powers at the United Nations have also been divided, paralyzing diplomatic efforts. Assad’s Western foes have pressed for action against Syrian authorities, but Russia and China have vetoed draft resolutions against Syrian authorities.

Brahimi, who resigned as United Nations special envoy for Afghanistan in 1999, drew comparisons between Syria now and Afghanistan under Taliban rule in the lead-up to the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

“The U.N. Security Council had no interest in Afghanistan, a small country, poor, far away. I said one day it’s going to blow up in your faces. It did,” he said. “Syria is so much worse.”

He also compared it to Somalia, which has suffered more than two decades of conflict. “It will not be divided, as many have predicted. It’s going to be a failed state, with warlords all over the place.”

Assad’s forces have consolidated their grip over central Syria but swathes of its northern and eastern provinces are controlled by hundreds of rebel brigades including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and other powerful Islamist groups.

War crimes were committed

daily by both sides in Syria, with starvation used as a weapon of war, civilians held as human shields and chemical weapons used in battle, Brahimi said.

Rebels appeared to have been behind at least one incident in Aleppo province in March 2013, he said.

“From the little I know, it does seem that in Khan alAssal, in the north, the first time chemical weapons were used, there is a likelihood it was used by the opposition.”

U.N. investigators have not made direct accusations about responsibility for several chemical attacks, including a sarin attack which killed hundreds outside Damascus last August.

Kurdish protesters clash with riot police at a burning barricade on Monday in Diyarbakir, Eastern Turkey.

Ahead Of Turkey Vote Kurdish Rebels Ramp

ISTANBUL - Kurdish rebels in Turkey’s southeast are ramping up attacks in a bid to pressure Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to speed up reforms ahead of presidential elections, analysts say.

A recent spate of ambushes, kidnappings and roadblocks by Kurdish militants threatens to further erode the fraught relationship between Ankara and the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) ahead of Turkey’s first direct presidential election in August.

Erdogan is widely expected to run, but to win he needs support

Up Pressure

from the country’s Kurdish minority, who make up one fifth of the population and form a majority in the southeast.

The PKK declared a ceasefire in March 2013, but peace talks stalled in September after the rebels said they were suspending their retreat from Turkish soil, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promised reforms.

The banned group took up arms in 1984 with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state, but

it has since scaled back its demands to greater autonomy for Kurds.

The upsurge in violence in the southeast is seen as a sign that the PKK — blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara and much of the international community — is raising the stakes in order to secure greater concessions.

“The PKK wants to extract as many concessions as possible from Erdogan, who needs Kurdish votes to become president,” said Nihat Ali Ozcan,

Rebel fighters carrying their weapons along a trench in the northeastern Syria City of Deir Ezzor during fighting with pro-regime fighters.

a security expert at the Ankarabased TEPAV think tank.

“They will not break the ceasefire but will continue to stage minor assaults.”

Among the changes demanded by the PKK as part of the peace process was the removal of an anti-terror law seen by many Kurds as directed at them, and the release of Kurdish prisoners. In return, the PKK were to withdraw to their bases across the border in the mountainous region of northern Iraq.

Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) scored a crushing victory in March local elections.Despite losing out in a number of towns and cities to the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), the AKP raised its overall vote share in the southeast, where the prime minister is seen as the only leader capable and willing to engage Kurdish rebels in talks to end a conflict that has claimed some 45,000 lives.

“The PKK has noticed the prime minister’s weakness.

That’s why it has been trying to get its demands through terrorising the presidential election process,” said Devlet Bahceli, leader of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party.

Ozcan warned however that Erdogan would not succumb easily to pressure, predicting he would continue a balancing act of making moves towards peace with the Kurdish population without angering nationalists.

45 Dead In Jihadists Clashes

BEIRUT - Fresh fighting between the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and a coalition of rebels and an Al-Qaeda affiliate in eastern Syria has left at least 45 fighters dead, a monitoring group said yesterday.

ISIL, which grew from a former affiliate of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, has faced a backlash in opposition Syria since early this year and is battling a coalition including Al-

Qaeda’s Al-Nusra Front and Islamist and moderate rebels.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the clashes in the town of Khosham in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor left 17 Al-Nusra and Islamist fighters dead, along with 28 ISIL members.

The fighting began on Sunday and raged through the night, the Observatory said.

ISIL was initially welcomed by some in Syria’s

armed opposition, but its harsh interpretation of Islam and abuses against civilians and rival opposition fighters has sparked a backlash.

Al-Qaeda’s chief has called on the group to return to Iraq, and even Al-Nusra has turned against it, battling it across several opposition-controlled provinces in Syria.

The fight against ISIL has killed some 6,000 people since it began in early January, according to the

Observatory, a Britain-based NGO. Elsewhere in the country, the Observatory said at least 25 people had died under torture at security facilities in Damascus province.

Detainees are often held for interrogation at security facilities before being transferred to jail.

The group said the families of those killed were informed of the deaths and told to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones on Sunday.

CARACAS - Thousands of Venezuelans who oppose their country’s socialist-led government rallied peacefully in the capital on Sunday to protest the continued detention of an opposition leader and to call for an early presidential election.

Anti-government activists massed to voice support for hardline opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been held in a military prison since being arrested in February on charges of fomenting violence as a result of the initial protests. A judge ordered last week that Lopez proceed to trial.

Those at Sunday’s protest also renewed their call for President Nicolas Maduro to leave office and for Venezuela to hold a new presidential election.

Venezuela’s constitution allows for an early presidential election if the president should resign. It also allows such a ballot if a leader is ruled physically or mentally incapacitated by the Supreme Court or dies in office, as happened last year with Hugo Chavez, who had anointed Maduro as his choice to take over the presidency.

During the rally in east Caracas, leaders of the student movement that has spearheaded the antigovernment demonstrations this year called for a new protest on June 24.

The anti-Maduro movement has lost steam in recent weeks, but demonstrations still crop up across Venezuela. The protests, which have seen 42 deaths and 873 injuries, are fed by anger over Venezuela’s 59 percent inflation rate, shortages of basic goods and a high crime rate.

Russia To React To NATO Beefing Up Forces Near Borders

MOSCOW - Russia would consider any further expansion of NATO forces near its borders a “demonstration of hostile intentions” and would take political and military measures to ensure its own security, Interfax quoted a senior diplomat as saying.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov also told the Russian news agency in an interview published yesterday that this approach extended to NATO forces that could be deployed on a rotational, rather than permanent, basis.

Titov’s comments come after U.S. President Barack Obama offered increased military support for eastern European NATO members to ease their concerns over Russia, which the West accuses of fuelling the crisis in Ukraine.

International

Checkpoint Blasts Kill 15 In Northern Iraq KIRKUK (Iraq) - A roadside bomb followed by a suicide bomber detonating an explosives-rigged truck at a police checkpoint in northern Iraq killed 15 people yesterday, a local official said.

The official, Shallal Abdul Baban, told journalists the blasts in Tuz Khurmatu also wounded 115 people and caused “great destruction”.

The police checkpoint that was targeted was near an office of President Jalal Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party.

The blasts came a day after a car bomb followed by a suicide bombing near a PUK office and a Kurdish intelligence building in Jalawla, another northern town, killed 18 people.

Powerful jihadist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed the Jalawla attack in a statement posted on Twitter, and said it was carried out by two suicide bombers, one Egyptian and an Iraqi Kurd.

Violence is running at its highest levels since 2006-2007, when tens of thousands were killed in sectarian conflict between Iraq’s Shiite majority and Sunni Arab minority.

More than 900 people were killed last month, according to figures separately compiled by the United Nations and the government.

So far this year, more than 4,600 people have been killed, according to AFP figures.

Officials blame external factors for the rising bloodshed, particularly the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

But analysts say widespread Sunni Arab anger with the Shiite-led government has also been a major factor.

Libya: Supreme Court

Rules PM’s Election Unconstitution

An Afghan policeman stands hear a burning NATO supply truck in Behsud district of Jalalabad east of Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. `

TRIPOLI - Libya’s Supreme Court ruled yesterday that parliament’s election of Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq a month ago was unconstitutional, state media reported, a decision which means his predecessor will stay on for now, a parliament speaker said.

OPEC producer Libya’s government and parliament are struggling to impose authority on a

Smoke rises above the Jinnah International Airport where security forces continue to battle m i l i t a n t s yesterday, in Karachi, Pakistan.

Pakistan Taliban Claim Deadly Airport Attack

KARACHI, Pakistan - The Pakistani Taliban yesterday claimed responsibility for a brazen five-hour assault on the country’s busiest airport that saw gunmen disguised as police guards storm the international terminal in Karachi, set off explosions and kill 18 people.

The Taliban said the assault on the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, was in revenge for the killing last November of the militant group’s leader in a U.S. drone strike.

The claim further diminished prospects for a resumption of government-led peace talks with the Taliban. Those talks floundered in recent weeks and the Taliban have called off a cease-fire they declared during negotiations. Since then, Pakistani troops have carried out airstrikes in the country’s troubled northwest to target militant hideouts, killing dozens of suspected militants. Residents claim several civilians were also killed in the strikes.

The Karachi assault started late Sunday when 10 gunmen, at least some disguised as policemen, opened fire with machine-guns and rocket launchers, triggering a gunbattle with police during which all the attackers were killed, said Rizwan Akhtar, the chief of Pakistan’s elite paramilitary Rangers.

Heavy gunfire and multiple explosions were heard coming from the terminal, used for VIP flights and cargo, as militants and

security forces battled for control.

A major fire rose from the airport, illuminating the night sky in an orange glow as the silhouettes of jets could be seen. As dawn broke yesterday, smoke could still be seen billowing in the air.

Authorities diverted incoming flights and suspended all flight operations.

An Emirates flight in Karachi bound for Dubai had to be cancelled and passengers were escorted off the plane because of the fighting.

“The passengers and crew disembarked the aircraft and were taken to a secure area of the terminal,” the Dubai-based carrier said. It didn’t say how many passengers were onboard.

The airline is by far the Middle East’s biggest and operates multiple daily flights to Karachi and other Pakistani cities. It said the airport’s closure would continue to affect other flights into Karachi. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, said it was delaying its own flights to Karachi and would monitor the situation.

Akhtar said no planes were damaged during the attack but a cargo building was left completely gutted by the fire and the explosions.

Just before dawn, Pakistani security forces regained full control of the airport. Akhtar said some of the attackers appeared to be Uzbeks but officials were still investigating to determine their

identity and nationality.

“The terrorists entered the terminal in two groups. They were foreigners, and some of them seemed to be Uzbeks,” Akthar said.

The Civil Aviation Authority said security forces had given them back control of the airport.

Dr. Seemi Jamali from Karachi’s Jinnah Hospital said 18 bodies were brought to the

morgue, and 11 of them were of airport security personnel. The bodies of the attackers remained in police custody.

At least some of the gunmen wore the uniform of the Airport Security Force, said an official at the scene near the terminal. All the attackers wore explosives vests, some of which were detonated when they were shot at by the police, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

country awash with arms and militias who ousted former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but now defy state authority.

Maiteeq’s appointment as head of Libya’s interim government had followed a chaotic vote in parliament, which is divided between Islamists and more moderate forces as well as along tribal and regional lines, and some lawmakers and judicial experts disputed the outcome.

Outgoing Prime Minister Abdullah alThinni, a career army officer who resigned in April, had refused to hand over power to Maiteeq after some lawmakers questioned the validity of the vote and said he would wait for a court decision.

“The ruling stated... the appointment of Mr. Ahmed Maiteeq as premier of the interim government was unconstitutional,” television reported.

There was no immediate reaction from Maiteeq, who was elected by independent and Muslim Brother Islamists, but parliament’s second deputy speaker Salah Makhzoum told reporters lawmakers would respect the ruling.

“From this moment ...

Abdullah Al-Thinni is the caretaker prime minister until Congress (parliament) learns the court’s reasons for deciding that Maiteeq’s election was unconstitutional,” he said.

Parliament will discuss the matter further today.

Afghanistan: Bombers Hit

Base In AEast, Kill Guard suicide car bomber first his convoy during a campaign

KABUL, Afghanistan Three suicide bombers attacked a parking lot at a police base in eastern Afghanistan, killing a guard and setting 25 trucks ablaze, an Afghan provincial official said yesterday.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban have recently staged a series of high-profile bombings ahead of the June 14 runoff in the country’s presidential election.

The attack on the police base in eastern Behsud district took place late on Sunday, said Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the spokesman for the provincial governor of Nangarhar province.

blew himself up by detonating his vehicle at the entrance to the parking lot. Two other attackers then stormed in, shooting at the security forces.

The police killed both attackers but at least 25 fuel tankers and logistic trucks caught on fire and were burned during the fighting, Abdulzai said.

Officials are concerned there could be more violence ahead of the balloting on Saturday, though the first round of the election on April 5 passed relatively peacefully.

Last Friday, Abdullah Abdullah — the front-runner in the election — narrowly escaped assassination when two suicide boomers attacked

event in the capital.

At least 10 people, including three in Abdullah’s entourage, were killed and dozens were wounded in the attack, which heavily damaged the front of Abdullah’s armored car, destroyed several vehicles and storefronts and left the street littered with twisted metal and other rubble.

No one has claimed responsibility for that attack either.

Abdullah is facing off against former Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai. In the initial balloting, he garnered 45 percent of the votes while Ahmadzai came in second with 31.6 percent.

Issues INTRODUCTION: ONE thing that is becoming increasingly clear in the minds of educationists, economists, social scientists and policy makers concerned with the education and employment nexus in less Developed Countries (LDC) is the “Intractability of the school leaver problem and the improbability that it will yield to any single solution or formula of action (Williams, 1974, p. 11).

This paper argues that the apparent intractability and improbability of solving the problem of ‘educated unemployed’, especially, in Nigeria is a function of the faulty conceptual scheme (the orthodox paradigm) which seems to have informed the diagnosis of the problem and the solutions thus preferred. On this account. an agenda for a new conceptual scheme (radical paradigm) which identifies the problem as being structural in character and locates it in the dependent capitalist nature of the Nigerian economy is mapped out. As a panacea a structural de-linking strategy which promotes an autarkic socialist economic policy is advocated.

ORTHODOX INTERPRETATIONS OF EDUCATED UNEMFLOYED The orthodox interpretations fall within the mainstream analytical framework of bourgeois economics. It posits four theories on the problem and prescribes solutions predicated on the theory in question. The various positions are: Unregulated expansion of the educational system leads to educated unemployed. This position blames the problem on the rapid and phenomenal expansion of the education market (in part due to high rate of population growth and the demonstration effect’ of schooling) far in excess of the absorptive capacity of the job market. That is a situation in which an imbalance between the turn-outs of the education system and job openings could be said to exist. To contain this situation the line of action which has been proposed is to curtail the rate of expansion of the educational system in order to bring it in line with the absorptive capacity of the job market. This could be achieved, it has been argued, by placing a ceiling on the annual admission rates into the various levels of education make education more expensive thus reducing its profitability and thereby induce a slack in the demand for admissions.

Quantitative control, no matter how it is viewed, is unacceptable both on political and egalitarian grounds. An overt curtailment of admissions or sudden rise in the costs of education would likely constitute a potential time-bomb which when it explodes will shake the very foundations of government and unleash a social upheaval of immense dimensions. This likelihood hinges on the fact that quantitative controls would be undoubtedly resisted by students, labour leaden and the generality of the masses. Be sides, discontented elements or parties may use such as an excuse to forement social unrest. The ‘Ali must go’ episode of 1978 and it’s aftermath is still fresh in the minds of most Nigerians. Furthermore, a situation in which fees are hiked-up would work in favour of the well-todo and against the poor thus reducing the chances of upward social mobility for the low class usually provided by an egalitarian educational system.

This makes this diagnosis of the problem and its solution a very bitter to swallow. So we discard it.

2. Incongruence between the job aspirations of educated youth and the available job situation results in educated unemployed. This position argues that the so called problem of educated unemployed is a non issue.

That jobs abound in the economy, the problem is for school leaven to adjust their expectations downward so as to fit into the available jobs which may be less lucrative, less attractive and less prestigious than the jobs they would usually have expected to get judging from their qualifications.

Thus to the extent that the educated unemployed will adjust their expectations downward by accepting lower paying jobs, with time, the labour market will clear all educated unemployed. This position has support in both Say’s law which states that every supply creates its own demand and in the conventional theory of supply and demand (i.e. in the event of excess supply of labour, salaries will automatically adjust, continually, downward until all unemployed labour have been absorbed).

The argument as it stands is fallacious and naive. It assumes an in definite opening in the low-pay job market. But as we know, the jobs market whether low-paying or high-paying is not indefinitely open. Also salaries once high become sticky and hence not as downward adjusting as predicted by theory. Thus a laissez-faire, laissez-passez policy which invokes either Say’s law or the law of supply and demand as a justification for doing nothing about the problem is not worth dwelling on.

3. Mismatch between skills demanded in the labour market and those provided by schools, accounts for the problem of educated unemployed, The contention here is that there is more than sufficient jobs in the labour market requiring those with the appropriate skills. In which case the problem lies with schools and their curricula which hardly addresses the issue of employability of school leaven. The solution to the problem it is therefore argued, is to restructure the programme offered by schools to increase their vocational content thus enhancing the prospects for school leaven employment.

This approach to the problem has inspired the vocationalisation of the school curricula in Nigeria through the introduction of the 6-3-3-4 school g system. The 6-3-3-4 system hopes to cope with the problem of school leavers unemployment by the introduction of pre-vocational subjects like woodwork, metal work, electronics, local crafts, Home Economics and Business Studies in the junior and senior secondary school programme.

Ironically, both the diagnosis of the problem and the prescription for its solution are unrealistic and misleading. Before dispensing with the traditional school curricula, it were best to stop and attempt answering the question has been the job prospects of the products of polytechnics and College of Technology, the content of whose course programme could be said be largely vocational? Are they readily fitting into the labourmarket, account of their largely vocational skills? If the argument turns around be that by vocationalising secondary school curricula, the chances of self-employment for school leaven will be enhanced, then the question would be : Why are Polytechnic and College of Technology graduates on e job-queue and not self-employed?

Besides, what are the chances that the 3-3 secondary school graduate .who discontinue their education after a successful period of study with sophisticated imported tools and gadgets in school workshops will have access to such tools and gadgets in their private workshops? My guess is at skills acquired in school workshops which employ imported tools and gadgets which are not available in the open market, at reasonable costs, for graduates to purchase, will atrophy as soon as one leaves school.

Furthermore, in the typical Nigerian style, the Federal and state governments are pumping huge financial resources into the new 3-3 secondary education and making it a nation-wide affair without a pilot test or an indepth study of the success or failure of the scheme elsewhere, where it has been operated. This to my mind is improper since there will

Educated Unemployed In Nigeria

An Agenda For A New Paradigm

By EMMA. OBASI PH.D

be no way recovering the resources expended if the scheme turns out to be a colossal failure. And by the vocationalisation of school curricula per se would hardly provide a permanent solution to the obsession with academic education and white collar job endemic in the Nigerian society.

The problem rests squarely with the inferior status which society accords graduates of technical schools or vocational courses vis-a.-vis graduates of grammar school or academic courses which acts as dis-incentive to pursue technical vocational education. Or where such has been earlier acquired, for individuals to still seek academic university education to erase the inferior social status accorded their O.N.Ds and H.N.Ds. It is on this account for instance most O.N.D and H.N. D. polytechnic and College of Technology graduates have had to refuse seeking employment or resign their jobs and entered university, in most .cases, without exemption from certain courses or gain in years; in order to acquire academic degrees which are highly priced in the society.

Hence before hastily dismantling the traditional school curricula and

quickly replacing it with the so-called vocational curricula, I strongly suggest a visit re-visit to Philip Foster’s “The Vocational School Falacy” 4. The ‘puck effect of schooling creates a problem of educated unemployment. This thesis is premised on the fact that less developed countries; including Nigeria, are basically agrarian economics with agriculture employing some 70 per cent of the active labour, force. In such a circumstance exposing youth to schooling which is lacking in ‘agricultural flair’ or does not engender a “love for farming”, the argument runs, induces a ‘push effect’ (i.e. the tendency to, migrate from rural to urban areas in quest of Jobs in the non-agricultural sector). Thus schooling , it has been observed, causes educated unemployment by promoting amongst it’s clientele the desire to leave farming through instilling in them norms and values that are inconsistent with rural life. The preferred remedy to this ‘dysfunctional effect’ of schooling is to “ruralise” the curricula of primary and, perhaps, secondary schools by infusing them with large agricultural content and extolling far Response to this suggested solution has found expression in the formation of ‘young farmers club’ in schools and the ‘school to land’ programme currently in vogue in the country. This it is hoped will make youth to take to farming in rural areas thus reducing the tendency to migrate to urban areas, where they seem likely to remain unemployed.

The problem with this line of reasoning is that it does not take account of the fact that ruralisation of school curricula, in itself, independent of improvement in the quality of rural life can hardly serve as an effective check on rural - urban drift. It is by providing social facilities and instrstructure like electricity, good drinking water, motorable roads etc. to stimulate meaningful social and economic life in what has turned out to be the marginalised rural communities, that the urge to migrate could be brought under control, but even if educated youth want to take up farming after schooling in spite of the prevailing unattractive rural life, the land tenure system in most parts of the country and the initial capital required to run a modest farm are very obvious, obstacles. In addition, assuming a plebiscite is conducted, my guess is that the proportion of Nigerians who want their child to follow, agricultural education and take to farming and rural life instead of academic education and white colar jobs in urban areas ‘would be very negligible. The knowledge that academic education and white colar jobs in urban areas are report to high income, power and prestige in a modem economy is a sufficient disincentive to acquire agricultural education and take to rural life.

So this theory of educated unemployed like others reviewed before it hardly gets to the root of the problem since they seem unrealistic and tend to belly more fundamental problems of the Nigerian economy. This leaves us with the quest for. a more realistic approach to the problem which finds expression in a radical interpretation.

RADICAL INTERPRETATION UNEMPLOYED

OF

EDUCATION

The case for a radical interpretation of educated unemployed in Nigeria rests on the functioning of the dependent capitalist Nigerian economy which is antithetical to full employment. Capitalism, as we know it, is a mode of economic organisation that vests the ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods and services in private hands.

Business activity under capitalism centres primarily on the maximization of profits. It does not have as its primary objective a policy of full employment and to expect it to do so will amount to wishing the impossible. Contrast this situation with the primary objective in socialism which output Maximization to ensure the greatest welfare for the greatest majority.

There are two dominant sectors of capitalist economic activity in the Nigerian economy-the “traditional’ sector and the ‘modern’. Production in the traditional sector is crude and backward and operates at a subsistence level, while production in the modem sector is virtually dependent on imported automated machineries and equipments whose only local

component are, the few paid operators employed.

In the main, educated youth are expected to be employed in the modern sector. Incidentally, since the technology in use in that sector is deliberately made to be capital intensive following the pattern prevailing in the industrialised countries, it would be illusory to expect it to absorb all educated unemployed in a non-labour intensive production network. This should not be suprising. The goal of Profit maximization .to satisfy international and local capitalists interest conflicts in many ways with a policy of full employment (whether educated or other Wise).

First, full employment will significantly erode the profit margin of business firms. More so when we take into account the fact that the wages /salary bill of ‘educated labour is usually high. This will serve as a disincentive to investment. Since the livelihood and opulent life style of capitalists depends largely on the surplus value arising from profits any threat to a ‘reasonable’ profit margin which in supports that life style is usually resisted.

Secondly, a policy of full employment; will amount to a re-distribution of income in favour of the masses thus eroding the economic power and political base of the capitalist class. Besides altering the stratification pattern in society along egaliterian lines, this situation will equally lead to the shift in the locus of power from the hands of a few to the hands of the majority. Since the capitalist class will be unsure of how much power will be used, especially where the new power base would lie with educated workers, the urge to resist the shift becomes more pronounced.

Thirdly, unemployment and the threat of dismissal is an effective social control mechanism employed by the capital class to ensure the loyalty of educated workers who are very conscious and protective of a drop in their standard of living. Hence to abrogate unemployment would amount to eroding the degree of influence and control which capitalists exercise over workers especially the educated who are often seen as potential trouble shooters.

CONCLUSSION: The radical model, so far sketched, would suggest that unemployment is far from constituting a distortion in capitalist economy (i.e an imbalance in one form or the other which adjusts itself when certain variables are excited). Rather it is an integral component of the ingredients which capitalism requires to sustain itself. This makes it a structural problem. In that vein the problem of educated unemployed which is a subset of the unemployment problem is bound to persist and continually exacerbate as long as the capitalist system that fuels it exist. Thus to put paid to the problem would require a fundamental re-structuring of the economic organisation of society along an autarkic socialist line.

2014 FIFA World Cup Count-Down Owen Tips Messi And Argentina To Win World Cup FORMER England striker Michael Owen believes that the brilliance of Lionel Messi and the familiarity with the conditions in Brazil will see Argentina through.

Michael Owen thinks Messi will see Argentina through to a World Cup win (Getty Images) After a spectacular haul of trophies with Barcelona, Messi has a chance to lead Argentina to glory on the World Cup stage and build on his reputation as one of the alltime greats.

The four-times World Player of the Year has won a glittering array of club silverware and has established

Lionel Messi

himself as one of the finest footballers to grace the game, but some believe he must win the World Cup before he can be hailed as a true great.

“They’ve got some fabulous players in (Angel) Di Maria and Messi, Higuain, and Aguero - lots of top-class players,” Owen said.

“I know Brazil is next door but I think they are playing basically in their home conditions and I think that this is Messi’s time to shine on the world stage.

“Some people would

argue that you can’t be considered the best player of all time unless you do win the World Cup but I’m sure that he will want to perform very well.

“He’s obviously one of the best, either the best or the second best player in the world at the moment.”

Owen, who scored 40 goals in 89 games for England, made a dramatic impact as an 18-year-old at the 2002 World Cup finals with a stunning individual goal against Argentina.

Jennifer Lopez

Balotelli Under Scrutiny

By England

ENGLAND’S defenders will analyse every aspect of Mario Balotelli’s game over the next few days as they look to nullify the threat posed by Italy’s danger man in Manaus.

England immediately began working on a plan to stop Italy striker Balotelli as soon as they landed striker in a series of video in Rio. sessions laid on by coach Gary Manchester City fans will Neville. remember Balotelli most for his “We have an idea already off-the-field antics, but they too about the strikers we will face know how dangerous a player he because we know them, but there can be. is so much video to get hold of,” The striker, who scored 18 England defender Phil Jagielka goals for AC Milan this year, said. possesses raw pace, power and “We have three video aggression - a lethal combination analysts and Gary Neville is more that has the potential to derail England’s World Cup campaign at the first hurdle.

That is why England’s back line will spend the rest of the week looking at ways to stop the

than capable of taking us through a video or two.”

“We have all the equipment we need and we cannot look too far ahead as we have the Italy match. Hopefully we get that game out the way then look at Uruguay and then Costa Rica.”

Balotelli’s antics during his two-and-a-half years at City have

Heat Dangerous For England, Says Espinoza HEAT and humidity is expected to be a major factor when the World Cup gets underway in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

England are set to kickoff their Group D campaign against four-time champions Italy in Manaus – a location known for its humid conditions – on June 15.

And Wigan defender Espinoza has singled out England as one of the country’s that may struggle to cope in South America after they played out a goalless draw with Honduras in testing conditions in Miami on Saturday.

“I think it (the climate) will be a big factor for England. England players are not used to it,” said Espinoza.

“I remember where I live in Manchester, going to Wigan, the sun came out, but it’s an artificial sun.

“We would come here to the (United) States in preseason with Wigan and you can tell how tough it is for the English players, Scottish and Irish guys, too, to come on this side of the world.

“Not many places will be as hot in Brazil, apart from Manaus.

“If they keep the ball like they did against us, they will not get tired. They have the players to keep the ball. That will keep them fresh, stop them getting tired. They’re young guys, too.

“But it will be dangerous for them if they don’t keep the ball because it is going to be hot.”

Honduras will also appear at the World Cup, where they will come up against Switzerland, France and Ecuador in Group E.

Mario Balotelli

been well-documented.

There is little chance of Manchester City ever owning a player who set his house alight with fireworks or throws darts at youth players again.

Despite his carry-on in Manchester, Jagielka feels it important to remember the player is an internationally-renowned striker too.

“He is a character but he scores goals,” the Everton centreback said.

“He has fantastic ability and a fantastic shot on him, particularly the way these (World Cup) balls move.

“We will be desperate to make sure he is not able to strike from distance. Hopefully we will make the right decisions and get the points.”

Everything you need to know about Italy 2006 World Cup winners Italy face a tough group in Brazil - here’s the lowdown.

Jagielka is expected to start alongside Gary Cahill at the heart of England’s defence on Saturday in Manaus, where the forecast is for temperatures to reach 30 degrees Celsius.

Should he find himself out of the match day squad for whatever reason, Jagielka will not be tweeting like he did during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Ecuador.

Beckham ‘Excited’ By England’s Youthful said he was glad to see England people.

FORMER captain David manager Roy Hodgson opt for a “Hopefully Alex OxladeTalent Chamberlain Beckham says he is “excited” by young squad and believes there can recover from the young England squad which arrived in Brazil on Sunday ahead of the World Cup. Speaking to a small group of reporters in Miami, Beckham

David Beckham

is no danger of them being overawed by the World Cup. “There are some really good young players in the England squad and the fact that Roy has gone for that group makes it exciting. We’ve got the experienced players in there as well,” said Beckham who played 115 times for his country.

“I’ve heard people ask ‘will the young players be ready for a stage like this?’

“They are playing in the biggest league in the world weekin, week-out, I don’t see why they will go over there and be afraid.

“They are confident players, that is what you get with young players, the confidence - they

won’t be scared to go out there and play,” he said.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who is currently working towards a new Major League Soccer team in Miami, said he was particularly impressed by Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

“Lallana is a great talent, he plays with the flair of a kid who just goes out there and plays. The games I’ve seen him play in for England he has stepped into a role and clearly deserves to be here,” said Beckham.

“Daniel Sturridge has obviously had a great season and I think he is a talent that can hurt

his injury, it doesn’t seem as bad as people thought at the time. He showed against Ecuador on Wednesday that he is the threat I think we need,” he added.

“We have a strong team going into this tournament, once we get in there, settle down and hopefully get a good result agianst Italy we can hopefully push on from there.”

Beckham’s former teammate Wayne Rooney has yet to score in eight World Cup games for England and some have questioned whether he should be an automatic selection for Hodgson, but Beckham said he had full faith in the player he calls ‘Wazza’.

J-Lo To Miss Brazil Opening Ceremony JENNIFER Lopez sang the official World Cup song ‘We Are One’ with Pitbull and Claudia Leitte.

Jennifer Lopez will not perform the World Cup’s official song alongside fellow artists Pitbull and Claudia Leitte during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Brazil, FIFA officials confirmed on Sunday.

The organisation stated that Lopez cannot perform at Thursday’s event as earlier planned because of unspecified “production issues.”

The singer’s representatives did not explain the reason why Lopez would not be joining the act, only confirming the announcement in an emailed response, stating: “Regretfully Jennifer Lopez will not be attending this year’s World Cup opening ceremonies.”

FIFA said in a press release that Cuban-American rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte will sing the official tune “We Are One” before Brazil take on Croatia at Thursday’s opening game in Sao Paulo.

The song has been criticised in Brazil, with detractors stating that it sounds too generic and features foreign musicians singing mostly in English and Spanish. Leitte sings only a few seconds at the end of the song in her native Portugues

Maradona Blasts FIFA ‘CorrupDIEGO Maradona has hit tion’ out at Qatar’s successful 2022

World Cup bid, accusing FIFA of being corrupt.

The Napoli icon has also called for football to rediscover its roots, following the controversies that have surrounded the Middle East nation being awarded the tournament.

“There is a lot of corruption within FIFA,” Maradona said during an interview with newspaper AlIttihad.

“You have to hold those responsible to account for the World Cup 2022 situation, awarded to Qatar.

“Football needs to rediscover its roots and move away from these scandals.”

Diego Maradona

Ten Greatest World Cup Matches Of All Time THE greatest tournament on earth has given birth to some of the greatest contests ever seen on a sporting field here are the 10 best, in no particular order.

West Germany 3-3 France aet (5-4 on pens) Semi-final, 1982 France: Platini 27 pen, Trésor 93, Giresse 99 West Germany: Littbarski 18, Rummenigge 103, Fischer 108 Seville, July 8 1982: the setting and date for one of the most memorable World Cup games of the modern era. A game full of intensity and panache - and no little drama lit up the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán for 120 minutes before the Germans ultimately prevailed, to the disgust of the French, certainly, and most likely to the rest of the onlooking world. Why? One man: Harald Schumacher. The German goalkeeper’s horrific, vertebrae-snapping, teethbusting, brutal KO blow on Frenchman Patrick Battitson shocked the football world and ensured any neutral fan with a conscience ended up rooting for Les Bleus. In the final reckoning that iconic moment of senseless violence somewhat overshadowed the rest of the game, which was a classic in its own right and which Michel Platini’s French side should possibly have won after they took a two-goal lead in extratime. But the Germans roared back to level things up and force a historical penalty shoot-out the first in the tournament’s history - which, of course, they won.

Italy 4-3 West Germany aet Semi-final, 1970 Italy: Boninsegna 8, Burgnich 98, Riva 104, Rivera 111 West Germany: Schnellinger 90, Mueller 94, 110 The match between these two heavyweights of European football, witnessed by over 100,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, was quickly crowned ‘Game of the Century’ after an incidentpacked goal fest ultimately went Italy’s way. Never before had a World Cup match reached such a fever pitch after defender KarlHeinz Schnellinger sent the encounter into extra-time with a dramatic, late equaliser for the Germans. But what was to come was beyond the wildest dreams of even the most imaginative of football fantasists. Five goals arrived in the additional period, German legend Gerd Mueller bagging two while Tarcisio Burgnich and Luigi Riva were on the scoresheet for the Azzurri as the match lurched thrillingly one way and the other.

Eventually, Gianni Rivera had

the final say, swooping in the 111th minute with what proved to be the match-winner, sending Italy through to a final against Brazil. And that’s not even mentioning that Franz Beckenbauer played the final half hour with a broken collarbone. An icon was born, and World Cup history made.

rafters and Pablo Dorado’s early strike had the home faithful in raptures, only for Carlos Peucelle and Guillermo Stabile to put the visitors into the lead before half-time. Uruguayan fears of the unthinkable soon dissipated though, as three second-half goals gave them a thrilling victory - and the world a new champion. With each nation compromising and providing a ball of their choice

process.

Italy 3-2 Brazil First round, 1982 Italy: Rossi 5, 25, 74 Brazil: Socrates 12, Falcao 68 Prior to kick-off in this second group stage match at Espana ’82 which pitted the flamboyant, attack-minded Brazilians against a wellorganised and tactically sound

Platini’s equaliser just before the break levelled things up. Zico, only just on as a substitute, then had a glorious chance to win it for Brazil when Joel Bats brought down Branco in the box, but Bats turned from villain to hero in a matter of seconds, beating away the resulting spot kick. The drama was almost too much to bear and it was only to get worse as fulltime came and extra-time produced no further goals. The

Argentina 2-1 England Quarter-final, 1986 Argentina: Maradona 51, 54 England: Lineker 80 England fans will not remember this match with too much fondness, but remember it they most certainly will; the game in the Azteca has been ingrained in the national psyche ever since. Diego Maradona was both the hero and the villain that day in the stifling Mexican heat, the diminutive Argentine striker beautifully demonstrating his flawed genius with a blatant act of gamesmanship - his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal - followed by one of, if not the greatest individual goals of all time - his slaloming impression of a hot knife through England’s defensive butter. Just three minutes separated the two equally memorable efforts, yet at the same time the goals were worlds apart. Gary Lineker gave England some hope towards the end, but Maradona’s infamous Jekyll and Hyde impersonation had already settled the tie.

Anglo-Argentine relationships, already strained after Antonio Rattin leaped to the English public’s attention at Wembley in 1966, were never to be the same again on the football pitch.

Uruguay 4-2 Argentina Final, 1930 Uruguay: Dorado 12, Cea 57, Iriarte 68, Castro 89 Argentina: Peucelle 20, Stabile 37 In 1930, two nations ruled the football world. In 1928 they had met in the Olympic final in Amsterdam and two years on Uruguay and Argentina clashed again, this time in the first World Cup final in history. Tensions between the two teams were already running high, but the encounter in the Olympic champions’ back yard succeeded in elevating their rivalry to a new level - in the build-up to the game in Montevideo, police were forced to guard the Argentine hotel day and night, while a bitter row had broken out over who would provide the match ball. Hours before kick-off the Estadio Centenario was packed to the

Algeria, West Germany for each half, the mmatch also spawned a new phrase: it certainly was ‘a game of two halves’.

Algeria 2-1 West Germany First round, 1982 Algeria: Madjer 54, Belloumi 68 West Germany: Rummenigge 67 One of the great World Cup upsets came in Gijon, on the opening day of Group 2 action in 1982 when minnows Algeria stunned reigning European champions West Germany.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and his team-mates were not only favourites to win their opener against the North Africans, but also the entire tournament, so when Rabah Madjer netted early in the second half, the gasps of disbelief at El Molinón were audible. Rummenigge appeared to restore order 13 minutes later, but Lakhdar Belloumi put paid to any German hopes with what proved to be the winner just a minute later. Algeria, in their first World Cup, had become the first African team to defeat a European side at the tournament, but they quickly became a victim of their own success: the Germans and their neighbours Austria disgracefully colluded in the final group game - at 1-0 to West Germany, both teams effectively stopped playing - to ensure they both went through at Algeria’s expense. Still, the plucky Africans had made their mark and won many new fans in the

but creatively limited Italy, there should only have been one winner. Brazil, boasting one of their finest ever teams albeit one which never really fulfilled their potential - had won their previous four games while Italy had drawn their first three and, other than in an impressive victory over Argentina, had done little to suggest they could should even be standing on the same park as the Selecao. Yet no one had counted on their counterattacking nous - or a certain Paolo Rossi. Having failed to score at the tournament up until that point, Rossi simply burst into life against Brazil. The Juventus hitman’s hat-trick marked him out as a world force to be reckoned with and, having sent Brazil home, he and Italy went all the way in Spain, with the player deservedly picking up the Ballon d’Or a few months later for good measure.

France 1-1 Brazil aet (4-3 on pens) Quarter-final, 1986 France: Platini 41 Brazil: Careca 17 France’s encounter with Brazil in the quarter-finals in Mexico was not a high-scoring game, but the clash in Guadalajara was an absorbing contest nevertheless, decided by the lottery of penalties - for the second time in four years in the case of France. Careca’s opener had put Brazil on the right course but Michel

Brazilians’ yips from 12 yards continued in the eventual shootout, Socrates and Julio Cesar both missing to hand France victory, despite Platini also missing, and help banish memories of their penalty heartache four years previously.

England 4-2 West Germany aet Final, 1966 England: Hurst 18, 101, 120, Peters 78 West Germany: Haller 12, Weber 89 Forty-eight years have passed since the 1966 final but what happened in the sunshine at Wembley that day remains a rich source of contention. Had Geoff Hurst’s second goal, England’s third, in extra-time against the Germans indeed crossed the line?

Certainly the Russian linesman (who was actually from Azerbaijan) seemed to think so and the majority of the home crowd agreed, although German protests can still be heard to this day. The goal edged England 3-2 ahead before Hurst made the argument irrelevant (at least from an English point of view) by netting his third of the match and England’s fourth - in memorable fashion. “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over. It is now,” said commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme, clearly unaware that the debate over the match was anything but over.

Brazil 6-5 Poland aet Last 16, 1938 Brazil: Leonidas 18, 94, 102, Romeu 22, Peracio 44, 72

Poland: Wilimowski 20 pen, 59, 89, 118, Scherfke 50 They don’t make World Cup games like they used to.

Certainly not ones that boast 11 goals. Back in the days before defence was considered of equal importance as attack, Brazil and Poland played out an absolute classic in a soggy Strasbourg where the South Americans were expected to walk through to the quarterfinals. Indeed it looked that way at half-time with the Brazilians leading 3-1 but then the rain came and as Brazil struggled on the increasingly boggy surface Poland mounted their comeback. Having clawed their way back to 3-3, Polish hopes were again delivered a blow as Peracio hit a second, only for Ernest Wilimowski to complete his hat-trick in the final minute and send the match into extratime. That is where the fairytale ended though as Leonidas added two more - to complete his own hat-trick - to give Brazil what proved an unassailable lead. Not even, incredibly, a fourth for Wilimowski and some late sustained pressure could lead to an improbable sixth for Poland and Brazil held on to claim a hard-fought, memorable victory.

West Germany 3-2 Hungary Final, 1954 West Germany: Morlock 10, Rahn 18, 84 Hungary: Puskas 6, Czibor 8 The Miracle of Bern. That says it all really. Few gave West Germany any hope of defeating the Mighty Magyars, led by the inimitable Sandor Kocsis and Ferenc Puskas; in the five years leading up to the tournament in 1954, Hungary were unbeaten in 32 games and hot favourites to extend that streak in Switzerland. They had already demolished the Germans - who admittedly fielded an understrength side - by an incredible 8-3 scoreline in their second group match (off the back of a 9-0 pasting of South Korea) and few could envisage any way back for West Germany, who were playing their first World Cup since World War Two. Two Hungarian goals in the first eight minutes underscored that feeling, but as we have come to appreciate, the Germans should never be written off.

Max Morlock pulled one back soon enough before Helmut Rahn wrote himself into German folklore, scoring twice to win the World Cup and ease the pain of a nation still suffering from its recent, tormented history.

LAPD Probes Ashley Cole ‘Assault’

PFA Accuses Israel Of Blocking Official’s ISRAEL has prevented a senior Palestinian delegate from Brazil Trip travelling to this month’s World Cup in Brazil, his federation said on Sunday.

The Palestine FA (PFA) has been lobbying world governing body FIFA to impose sanctions against Israel over restrictions on the movement of players from the blockaded Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank.

PFA president Jibril Rajoub told Reuters last month that the relationship between the two Middle East neighbours had deteriorated after the recent arrest of a Palestine footballer and the shooting of two other players.

On Sunday the PFA, in what it described as the third such case, said its deputy general-secretary Mohammad Ammassi was denied permission by Israel to travel from Gaza to the West Bank, from where he would cross to Jordan and on to Brazil.

“This is not the first time Mr. Amassi has been denied a travel permit,” the PFA said in a statement.

“Israeli authorities have nothing against him, which clearly makes this rejection a temperamental and arbitrary measure that does not help the efforts to find a solution to the situation of Palestinian football.”

Zidane Happy To Remain Madrid No.2 Real Madrid assistant manager Zinedine Zidane insists he is in no rush to become a No. 1 in his own right and is expecting to stay at the Bernabeu next season.

Zidane, 41, has been cutting his coaching teeth at Madrid for the past couple of seasons, having initially taken up a more business-focused role following his retirement from playing in 2006.

The Frenchman, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 during a distinguished career, has regularly spoken about his desire to become a manager.

He was heavily linked with opportunities at Bordeaux and Monaco, but the former Madrid star insists he is happy with his current role alongside Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital.

Zinedine Zidane

Israeli officials were checking the details of the case and had yet to comment.

Gaza is under the control of armed Hamas Islamists who advocate Israel’s destruction and have often clashed with it.

The U.S.-backed rival Palestinian administration in the West Bank signed a unity deal with Hamas in April, prompting Israel to call off peace negotiations with it.

Rajoub said in May that FIFA had established a task force that included Palestinian and Israeli delegates but this had failed to improve the main issues of freedom of movement and access for Palestinian athletes.

Rafael Nadal Lifts his ninth French Open.

French Open

Nadal Beats Djokovic In Epic Final

CLAYCOURT machine Rafa Nadal held off another challenge from great rival Novak Djokovic to claim a record extending ninth French Open title with a 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 victory on Sunday.

Djokovic, who was looking to the eighth game as the Spaniard had become the eighth man to complete trouble finding his range. a career grand slam, made a great Nadal saved the two break points start but appeared to suffer from the with a forehand winner down the heat and humidity after losing the line and a big first serve but second set. misfired on the third.

The 28-year-old Nadal, who has He had two break points in the only lost one of his 67 matches on ninth but fluffed a forehand on the the Paris clay, fell on his knees first and sent another long on the when Djokovic double-faulted on second as Djokovic held to take the the first match point. first set when Nadal failed to return “In matches like this every a booming forehand. moment is crucial. Playing against Nadal beats Djokovic in epic Novak is always a big challenge, I final to secure ninth title had lost against him the last four Claycourt machine Rafa Nadal times,” Nadal said on court. held off another challenge from “Sorry for him today, he deserves great rival Novak Djokovic to to win this tournament.” claim a record extending ninth Nadal: I’m very emotional French Open title with a 3-6 7-5 6Rafael Nadal explains just what 2 6-4 v… it means to be French Open Nadal set up a break point in the champion for a ninth time. sixth game of the second set and It was Djokovic’s sixth attempt thought he had won it with a against Nadal in his spiritual home, backhand, only for umpire Pascal and his sixth failure - the second in Maria to overrule the linesperson a final after the 2012 showdown. and award the point to Djokovic.

Djokovic, one of three men to The Spaniard had another chance beat Nadal on clay this year, had and there was no contest this time also won four of the last eight as Djokovic returned Nadal’s matches he had played against the forehand into the net, but the Serb Spaniard on the slow surface. broke straight back when his None of them had occurred in a opponent’s forehand sailed long. best-of-five match, though.

Djokovic saved another break The 27-year-old Serb, who point in the eighth game but the became the first person to win the momentum had shifted Nadal’s opening set of a Roland Garros way and the man from Mallorca final against Nadal since 2006, took the set on the world number went 40-15 up on Nadal’s serve in two’s serve with a forehand winner.

Andy Murray and his new coach

He broke in the second game of the third set when Djokovic, who looked exhausted, netted a regulation volley.

At the following change of ends, the Serb almost fell off his chair.

Djokovic continued to fight but Nadal was always on top, wrapping up the set on Djokovic’s serve when the Serb sent a forehand long.

Wilander: Why conditions suit Nadal so much Mats Wilander explains why Rafael Nadal got on top of Novak Djokovic as the court changed in Paris.

Detectives are investigating a complaint of criminal battery against Ashley Cole in Los Angeles, police have confirmed.

The 33-year-old allegedly threw champagne over British TV presenter Donatella Panayiotou during a night out at Hollywood nightclub Lure, the Sunday Mirror reported.

A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed they had received a battery complaint against Cole.

She said: “A battery report has been assigned to detectives from the Hollywood division.”

Police have 30 days to investigate the complaint, which they received on May 31, before deciding whether to press charges, the spokeswoman said.

Cole was with a group of friends including former teammate Shaun Wright-Phillips when the alleged incident happened, the Sunday Mirror reported.

A spokesman for Chelsea said it was a “private matter” and declined to comment.

It was a long backhand that gave Nadal a seemingly decisive break for 4-2 in the fourth set, but a rejuvenated Djokovic broke straight back before a final lapse in concentration handed Nadal the title.

“Congratulations to Rafa and his team, it is incredible to win this tournament nine times,” Djokovic said.

“It was an emotional day. I have tried with all my power, my strength, my capacities but Rafa was the strongest on court.

“To my team: this trophy is not for us this year but we will try again and again.”

Ashley Cole

retiring from a playing career in which she won Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

She has also been the captain of France’s Fed Cup team since 2013.

Murray said in a statement: “I’m excited by the possibilities of the new partnership and Amelie is someone I have always looked up to and admired. She’s faced adversity plenty of times in her career, but was an amazing player and won major titles, including Wimbledon.

“I have a very strong coaching team already in place, but I think Amelie brings with her experience and tactical expertise and will push us all to improve.

Everyone I know talks very highly of Amelie, as a person and coach, and I’m convinced that her joining the team will help us push on – I want to win more Grand Slams.”

The appointment has not come as a surprise to several tennis big names, such as Billie Jean King, who tweeted Murray earlier this week: King praises Murray’s ‘positive attitude’ towards women And Mats Wilander suggested

last month that Mauresmo would be an ideal advisor for the British number one.

Game, Set and Mats: Why Mauresmo would be a good coach for Murray Mats Wilander explains why Amelie Mauresmo would be a good potential option as a new coach for Andy Murray.

Mauresmo said: “I’m really excited to be able to work with Andy. He’s an amazingly talented tennis player and I feel I have plenty to offer both him and the team around him. I’m looking forward to getting down to work and helping him win more Grand Slams.”

She later added on Eurosport: “I was surprised to be honest. I guess it’s a big story to write (a woman coaching a man) but it’s not my concern right now. I’m happy with the challenge; I want to help him.

“He wants to win Grand Slams, that’s the goal. He has the most pressure (more than Mauresmo).

I know what it is. It will change my life and my retirement, but I’m passionate about this sport, I like challenges.

“I like to put myself on the line and we’ll see what I can do.”

Andy Murray Appoints Amelie Mauresmo As New Coach DEFENDING Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has appointed Amelie Mauresmo as his new coach for the grass court season.

Mauresmo coached Marion Bartoli to the Wimbledon title last year, and has previously acted in a similar capacity for Michael Llodra.

She began coaching after

Golden Eaglets Begin Closed Door Camping THE national under-17 male football team have arrived in Calabar, Cross River for their closed door camping ahead of the African U-17 Championship qualifier, an official has said.

A statement by the team’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, in Abuja on Sunday said the players and officials were gradually settling down at their Princeville Hotel Camp.

The statement quoted the team’s captain, Kelechi Nwakali, as saying the team’s players are ready to work hard ahead of their matches in the qualifying competition.

“It is great to be here again

Super Falcons Decamp After 2014 AWC Qualification

THE national senior female football team, the Super Falcons, on Sunday began an indefinite break, after qualifying for the 2014 African Women Championship (AWC) in Namibia.

A statement from the team’s Media Officer, Gracious Akujobi, in Abuja said breaking of camp till further notice followed a directive from the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).

Super Falcons booked their place in the competition after thrashing their Rwanda counterparts 12-1 on aggregate.

They had beaten the SheAmavubis 4-1 in Gisenyi on May 24, before putting the icing on the cake with an 8-0 win in Kaduna on Saturday for a 12-1 aggregate.

The statement quoted the team’s head coach, Edwin Okon, as saying the players should work harder in their respective clubs to earn an invitation to the team’s next camping programme.

He added that the team would likely regroup after the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil in July.

“As you return to your clubs, I want you all to keep your heads cool and don’t allow this little success and money get into your heads.

“I will be monitoring you to ensure that you maintain your fitness and form.

“I will not invite any player who falls below expectations as we regroup,” Okon was quoted as saying.

The 2014 AWC is scheduled to hold in Namibia from Oct. 11 to Oct. 25.

and we are ready to work hard.

“Coming here will help our concentration and we thank the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the Cross River government for this opportunity,’’ it quoted Nwakali as saying.

According to the statement, the team, known as the Golden Eaglets, will resume training on Monday at the Abraham Ordia Stadium of the University of Calabar.

The team had been in an open screening camp in Abuja since March.

Thirty-three players were selected after the 70-day screening and documentation period at the FIFA Goal Project pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.

Their screening is in preparations for the 2015 African U-17 Championship

qualifiers.

The Golden Eaglets will meet the winners of the first round tie between Congo DR and Burundi in July.

THE finals of Hon. Victor Enobakhare Gold Cup football tournament comes up today at the Uselu Secondary School playground, Benin City.

According to a statement by the Edo State Youths Club Coaches Association (ESYCCA), organizers of the tournament, the females defending champions, Amegor Queens of ward 05 will trade

tackles with Texas Queens of ward 08 in a scintillating match billed for 2.00pm.

A galaxy of personalities are expected to grace today’s epic finals.

The roll-call will include the cup donor and Executive

Local Government Council, Hon. Victor Enobkhare, his counterparts from Oredo and Esan South-East local government councils as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and sports, Mr. Chris Okaeben among others.

Brazil 2014

Super Eagles Still On Track - NFA

A board member of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Shehu Adamu, on Sunday said the Super Eagles’ final preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup was still on track.

Adamu’s comment comes achieved in the last two years on the heels of the team’s 1-2 was beyond the loss to the U.S. Adamu, a former loss on Saturday to the U.S. in Commissioner for Sports in an international friendly.

He told newsmen in Abuja Kaduna State, also applauded that what the Eagles had the recall of Ejike Uzoenyi to the team, saying he was a good replacement for the injured Elderson Echiejile.

“We believe coach Stephen Keshi has selected the best for Nigeria and also for the continent. I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria will do well at the 2014 World Cup. “Keshi has only lost one match out of the friendly matches the team played in preparation for the World Cup, yet people are still criticising him.

“You can’t judge the team by the friendlies, but by how many friendly matches they have won, drawn or lost.

“So, if you go by that statistics, we are in a better place to say that we have a team that is going to do well in Brazil.

“I think we are not going to shame Nigerians,’’ Adamu Coach Stephen Keshi said.

He said every other need

Super Falcons

Enabakhare Cup Final Holds Today Chairman of Egor

for the team’s success in Brazil, especially the funds, have been released by the government, assuring that the fund would be disbursed according to requirements.

The NFA board member said the only way to justify government’s support for football was for the Super Eagles to surpass their previous World Cup record.

The team has played three pre-tournament matches as part of their build-up to the 2014 World Cup. The team played a 2-2 draw against Scotland in London on May 28, a goalless draw

against Greece on June 3, before losing 1-2 to the U.S. on June 7.

The Super Eagles will face their Iranian counterparts in their first Group F match at the World Cup on June 16, before engaging Bosnia-Herzegovina in their second match on June 21.

The team’s final group match will be against Argentina on June 25.

Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria will represent Africa at the World Cup scheduled to take place between June 12 and July 13.

Clothers Want Eagles’ Jersey To Boost Morale THE Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has been urged to boost the Super Eagles’ morale by making available the team’s 2014 FIFA World Cup jersey to clothiers.

Two clothiers told newsmen on Sunday in Lagos that Nigeria’s jersey at the World Cup ought to be in every market across the country.

Uche Okoro, a clothier in Ikorodu Main Market, Lagos, said that jersey bearing the names of Nigerian players would further hype the country’s participation.

“People in our villages will have the opportunity to show solidarity and lend their support for our players by wearing our jersey.

‘I believe other nations’ football governing bodies are focusing on reaching out to the grassroots to boost their teams’ morale,’’ he said.

A clothe seller at Sagamu in Ogun, Mr. Ikem Wannedimbu, said that the NFA would realise much money from selling the jersey in every nook and cranny of the country.

“This is one opportunity that the NFA’s marketing department should not allow to go unexplored.

“The NFA can bring this football event closer home to us and make it livelier by ensuring

that our team’s jersey floods markets.

“It is very necessary to shift focus on sales of jersey and other memorabilia from cosmopolitan centres alone,’’ he said.

A commercial bus driver, Yomi Shefiu, told newsmen that many people were looking forward to watching the World Cup because they were hopeful Nigeria would do better.

“People will buy our jersey because they want to show support for our players, and encourage them,’’ Shefiu said.

The global tournament will begin on June 12 in Brazil.

Nigeria is in the Group F along with Argentina Iran and BosniaHerzegovina. Nigeria first march will be with Iran on June 16.

Aminu Maigari, NFA Chairman

Of Political Destitutes, Intellectual Thugs & Media Specialists WITH the 2015 general elections fast approaching, the airwaves will understandably cackle louder and louder in the times ahead. As men and women of ideas contend for our minds so also will plain idiots and intellectual mercenaries pollute the space with their cant. A teaser of what the latter category is capable of seems on offer in a piece first elegantly disguised as ‘opinion’ in Sunday Guardian (June 1) and, curiously, later published as full-page advertorial in Vanguard of Tuesday (June 3). It was entitled ‘Edo APC Crisis: Beyond A Struggle For State Resources’.

At the first appearance of the article in Sunday Guardian, this writer was instantly drawn to the said piece like magnet. Against the backdrop of recent development in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, one had instinctively salivated at the prospects of savouring fresh insights on the debacle. But one sloppy paragraph after another grotesque paragraph, one could not help but finally feel duped by an intellectual conman and marvel at the sheer effrontery of a hired pen to mislead.

It was only then one bothered to check who could be so cognitively challenged to cobble such incoherent article together. Lo, it turned out to be no other than, ah!, ‘Dr. Edoba Omeregie’, introduced as ‘a politician, legal practitioner and scholar (writing) from Benin City’. (He seems ashamed or afraid to let the public know he actually operates from University of Benin, lest some self-respecting neighbours issued a disclaimer on him for

bringing dishonour to that academic community on account of his political alms-begging.)

Knowing this self-styled ‘analyst’ so well, one should ordinarily not have bothered to rejoin, lest one dignified a vituperation that could, at best, be described as imbecilic. But if left unchallenged, chances are that the gullible may be tempted to believe the cheap lies.

From the opening to the closing sentence, the author hardly disguised his bitterness, employing an uncouth language in denigrating the person of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

His allegations against the Edo Governor range from sheer falsehood to pure libel. I shall return to those presently.

At this juncture, perhaps it is necessary to locate the source of Omoregie’s bitterness. Here is an intellectual hustler who had begged Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for a political appointment last year. He had begged his relation who is a top media executive (an Edo indigene) based in Lagos to pass on his resume to the governor to give him a life-line. Not wanting to take chances, he also engaged another character who is among the recent decampees from APC to prevail on the governor to, in fact, appoint him Commissioner for Justice. But after due consideration, he was found unworthy of that high office.

To be fair, Omoregie is not alone. He is only one

of the tribe of the disgruntled who straddle the Atlantic Ocean and who, ipso facto, offer their services to those bent on reversing the march of progress in the past five and a half years in Edo. To the unsuspecting, they masquerade on the pages of newspapers as ‘experts’ and ‘analysts’ on Edo

aides to set up a meeting with the Comrade Governor to market ‘a proposal’ on behalf of ‘we in the Diaspora’. Once he failed to have his way, he has since resorted to hurling funny missiles from that safe distance in US. There is another political rat, a failed newshound, operating from a dingy

MATTERS IN FOCUS With AUSTIN NOSAKHARE whose new political strategy appears to be noise-making with a view to distracting Comrade Oshiomhole from sustaining the Edo transformation begun in 2008. It is now open secret that a heavy war chest in hard currency (which runs into hundreds

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor

politics. There is another jester by name, Tony Igiehon, operating from Dallas, U.S. At a function involving Edo indigenes in Dallas last year to which Oshiomhole was invited as special guest of honour, this comedian literally groveled at the feet of

warren in Lagos, whose beef is that Oshiomhole refused to ‘dash’ him senatorial ticket of Edo South in 2011…

Of course, this brigade of intellectual mercenaries are currently being lavishly funded by deluded PDP godfathers hiding in Abuja

of millions of naira) has been provided which is now being drawn down to prosecute the ongoing dirty campaign. Having been humiliated at the polls by the Action Governor repeatedly since 2007, they are still unwilling to accept that the

“Today, in the South-South zone, Edo is the least earner in terms of federal allocation. But through prudent management, Oshiomhole has been able to make every kobo count for Edo people. Thank God, even Finance Minister, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, recently unveiled ten biggest earners in the country.

Edo never featured in that exclusive club. Four states controlled by PDP in the region featured among the first five.

Yet, unbiased assessors today are agreed that Edo has more on the ground to show for the pittance it has received.”

days of ‘Tuke Tuke’ politics are now over for good in Edo State.

In his rambling piece, Omoregie’s tantrums could be summarized into three points: the recent defection of those he falsely described as ‘heavyweights’ was caused by Oshiomhole’s bungling of APC’s congress; the incumbent administration is wasteful in character and without focus in philosophy and that the Comrade Governor is a fascist.

Let us begin from the last point. If Oshiomhole is stubborn, it is only to those who believe the people’s money should be used to settle party leaders and godfather instead of being used to alleviate the condition of the masses of Edo State.

So, calling Oshiomhole a dictator or Hitler is certainly laughable indeed because even worst critics today would admit that he is people’s governor whose humility has demystified the office of the governor.

Anyway, one can appreciate why some guys are envious seeing ‘Oshio Baba’ move the multitude to tears or action sometimes for hours on end with his power of oratory without a prepared text. These are men who could be described as ‘educated illiterates’ who left university with Third Class and cannot address even a family meeting today for one minute without having rehearsed for one hour.

Again, one can understand why some people are not happy seeing the governor being mobbed and hailed as ‘action man’ by ordinary folks on the streets in Edo State. Of course, these are cowards who dare not enter Edo or move about today without a battalion of riot cops for fear of being stoned by the Continues on pg 11

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